started · updated
Plaka explosion: Three suspects arrested for fatal gas leak
Authorities have arrested three men in connection with the fatal explosion in the Plaka district of Athens, which occurred on September 25, 2026, and resulted in six deaths and the collapse of a building. The suspects, identified as two Greek nationals and one Albanian national aged 34, 37, and 55, are accused of causing property damage to a natural gas installation during an attempted theft of copper piping.
A 34-day investigation by the Fire Service's Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) utilized security footage, communication intercepts, and scientific analysis from the National Technical University of Athens to reconstruct the events. Investigators determined that the suspects entered the building around 02:00, targeting the gas meter located in a confined stairwell. During the attempt to remove the copper pipes, a leak was triggered.
The gas accumulated within the building, rising to the second floor where an elderly couple resided. It is believed that the explosion was ignited when a resident attempted to use an electrical switch, creating a spark. A school van carrying 12 students reportedly passed the site seconds before the blast, narrowly avoiding the tragedy.
Entities
Agioi Pantes · Ampelokipoi · Athens · Chalkidona · Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes · Fire Service · Fire Service Arson Crimes Directorate · General Police Directorate of Thessaloniki · Hellenic Police · National Technical University of Athens · Plaka · Thermaic Gulf
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 9 SOURCES] A 41-year-old Pakistani man reported being gang-raped and assaulted in Thessaloniki.
- [DISPUTED] Police arrested two suspects, aged 34 and 40, in the Ampelokipoi area.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The victim alleged that six people were involved in the attack.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The victim was thrown into the Thermaic Gulf after being transported on a motorcycle.
- [● 9 SOURCES] Charges against the suspects include rape, attempted murder, weapons law violations, and personal data protection violations.
- [● 9 SOURCES] One perpetrator filmed the assault on video.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The victim was stabbed in the hand during the incident.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The arrested individuals are Pakistani nationals.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The suspects have prior criminal records for theft, robbery, and drug offenses.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The theft of a copper pipe caused a natural gas leak. www.tharrosnews.gr · www.protothema.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Three men, aged 34, 37, and 55, have been identified as suspects.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspects consist of one Albanian and two Greek nationals. www.tharrosnews.gr · www.protothema.gr