Authorities investigate source of mysterious gas odor across Attica

On Tuesday, May 19, a strong gas-like odor was reported across the Attica region, beginning around 11:40 AM. The smell was felt in various areas including Piraeus, Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada, Saronida, Kifisia, and central Athens. As a precautionary measure, several schools and businesses in Nea Smyrni and Agios Dimitrios were evacuated. Emergency services, including the Fire Department and the Coast Guard, were mobilized to investigate potential leaks. However, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, along with DESFA and Enaon EDA, confirmed that no gas leaks were detected in the network or at the Revithoussa facilities. While experts initially suggested biological processes in the Saronic Gulf as a possible cause, investigations remain ongoing. Other theories being examined include maintenance work in the Perama and Salamina shipyards or cleaning operations on a tanker near Aegina. As of now, no definitive source for the phenomenon has been identified.