Gravas school complex closed amid gas odor investigations

The Gravas school complex in Athens remains closed to in-person learning following repeated reports of a strong gas-like odor. The decision to suspend operations was made by the Athens Municipal Council to protect approximately 4,000 students and 450 teachers. Currently, classes are being conducted via remote learning.

Specialized technical teams are conducting intensive inspections of the facility, focusing on the internal natural gas installation, the boiler room, and the piping network to identify potential leaks. Following a request from the Municipality of Athens, engineers from the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) are also expected to perform an inspection.

Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki stated that students and staff will only return to classrooms once there are clear assurances regarding the safety of the facilities. She expressed the intention to meet with student representatives to address both the safety concerns and broader issues affecting the school community.

While initial reports of the odor date back to September 16, recent incidents led to a precautionary evacuation on October 2. Experts, including Professor Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, have noted the complexity of the case, suggesting that if the odor persists after the gas network is shut off, investigators must look into alternative sources such as sewage systems, drains, or chemical leaks from nearby installations.