Three arrested for fatal Plaka explosion following copper theft

On September 25, 2026, a devastating explosion in a three-story building in the Plaka district of Athens resulted in the death of six people, including an elderly couple and four American tourists. Following a 34-day investigation by the Fire Brigade’s Arson Crimes Department, three suspects—two Greek nationals aged 37 and 55 and one 34-year-old Albanian national—were identified and arrested for the incident.

Evidence, including security camera footage and expert analysis from the National Technical University of Athens, indicates that the suspects entered the building to steal copper pipes. During the theft, they damaged the natural gas supply infrastructure, leading to a gas leak that accumulated in the building. The subsequent explosion occurred when the gas was ignited. A school van carrying children was passing nearby at the time of the blast and narrowly avoided being struck by debris.

The suspects, who are known to authorities for previous criminal activities, now face severe felony charges, including arson resulting in death, causing an explosion with lethal consequences, and multiple counts of homicide with possible intent. They were granted an extension and are scheduled to provide their testimonies to the investigator on Monday, November 2, 2026.