Investigations into the cause of the tragedy in Plaka remain in full swing following the explosion and building collapse that claimed six lives. Authorities are now focusing their investigation on the natural gas supply, as a gas leak is currently considered the most likely scenario behind the explosion. Meanwhile, intensive structural inspections of neighboring buildings are expected to begin on Monday. Ten experts from the Arson Crimes Investigation Division (DАEE) are continuing their on-site examination of the conditions that led to the tragedy, while crucial evidence is also expected to emerge from the forensic examination of the six victims.
Plaka: investigation focuses on second-floor apartment
Evidence gathered so far is pointing investigators toward the second floor of the building, where an elderly couple resided. According to information available, this was the only apartment in the building with an independent natural gas supply. The first floor had previously been connected to the gas network, but the owner had requested disconnection back in 2021, and the supply was duly cut off.
The elderly couple used natural gas both for heating and cooking. The small boiler has not yet been located, though the pipework has been found.
The scenarios currently under examination are that the stove may have been left on overnight without being properly shut off, or that a gas leak occurred. Experts also consider the age of the building to be a critical contributing factor.
Gas concentration reached 15%
According to information from ERTNews, the gas supply to the space appears to have been continuous until the concentration reached 15%, creating an explosive mixture. The explosion is believed to have been triggered by a spark. One of the scenarios under investigation is that the spark occurred when the elderly woman went to the bathroom and switched on the light. Her body was found next to the bathroom sink.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated: “There are forensic experts collecting evidence, all findings have been designated to go to a specific location, and the initial indications suggest that gas was responsible.”
What the fire service says about the smell of gas
A safety perimeter remains in place around the area, and inspections of neighboring buildings have been scheduled. Vasilis Vathrakoyannis, Director of Strategic Planning and Communications for the Hellenic Fire Service, addressed the reports of a gas smell and the presence of gas company Enaon EDA at the scene.
He stated: “Because a gas smell was reported, employees of Enaon EDA were requested and arrived at the scene — the company has also issued a relevant statement. It is emphasized that, prior to the explosion, no complaint regarding a gas smell in the area had been reported to the Fire Service.”
Why the blast wave supports the natural gas scenario
One of the key pieces of evidence under examination concerns the direction in which the blast wave traveled. Natural gas rises upward, while LPG moves downward. In the Plaka case, the explosion and its shockwave moved upward — a detail that strongly supports the natural gas leak theory. The total collapse of the building is also attributed to its age and poor structural condition.
Efthymis Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (OASP), commented: “They assess that it was caused by natural gas. The building was not modern, it had significant vulnerabilities, it had no load-bearing structure, and its brick construction alone makes it extremely susceptible in an event like this.”
Which scenarios appear to be ruled out
As the investigation progresses, the possibility that the explosion was caused by a propane cylinder appears to be receding, as no relevant evidence has been found among the rubble.
Additionally, there is no indication of a leak originating from a different source or from a neighboring building — unlike the incident that occurred in 2022 on Syngrou Avenue.
Furthermore, evidence gathered so far suggests that the leak occurred in the same space where the explosion took place. This distinguishes the case from the similarly tragic incident at the VIOLANTA factory.
Structural inspections of neighboring buildings from Monday
From Monday, detailed inspections of adjacent buildings are expected to be carried out in order to more accurately assess the extent of the damage and evaluate their structural integrity. An urban planning team from the Athens Municipality remains on site, having already conducted an initial inspection and issued instructions on how work in the rubble is to proceed. Meanwhile, critical answers about the circumstances of the tragedy are expected to come from the forensic examination of the six victims.
