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[CRIME] · Greece · 55 sources

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Nea Ionia cafe fire triggers arson investigation

A massive fire broke out around 04:30 on Monday, September 28, 2026, at a ground-floor cafe on Kastamonis Street in Nea Ionia, Athens. The blaze spread rapidly through a three-story apartment building, causing extensive damage to multiple floors and leaving several apartments uninhabitable.

Firefighters, including 18 personnel and 5 vehicles equipped with specialized ladder and boom platforms, conducted a major operation to extinguish the flames and rescue residents. Several occupants, including elderly individuals, were forced to flee to the rooftop due to thick smoke before being safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Authorities, including the Greek Police's Organized Crime Division and the Fire Brigade's Arson Crimes Investigation Unit, have launched an intensive inquiry. Preliminary findings, including traces of flammable liquids and witness reports of loud explosions prior to the fire, have led investigators to focus on arson as the most likely cause. Police are also examining the cafe's history, noting a fatal shooting incident that occurred at the same location in February 2023. Investigators are reviewing security footage and considering the possibility of a targeted attack.

Entities

12th EMODE · Arson Crimes Investigation Unit · Athens Arson Crimes Investigation Unit · Fire brigade · Greek Fire Service · Greek Police · Kalloni · Kastamonis Street · Koumkos · Lesvos · Lions gang · Nea Ionia

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about 21 hours ago