Three suspects arrested for deadly gas explosion in Plaka

Greek authorities have apprehended three men, aged 55, 37, and 34, in connection with a fatal gas explosion that occurred on September 25 in the Plaka district of Athens. The incident resulted in the deaths of six people, including an elderly couple residing on the second floor and four American tourists staying in a short-term rental unit on the first floor. The arrests follow a 34-day investigation conducted by the Fire Department’s Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate.

Evidence suggests the explosion was triggered during a copper theft attempt. Surveillance footage and physical site reconstruction show that the three suspects—two Greeks and one Albanian—entered the building at approximately 2:00 a.m. on the day of the explosion. Investigators concluded that the suspects damaged a natural gas supply line while attempting to cut pipes in the building's stairwell. This caused a gas leak that accumulated until it ignited, likely when one of the residents later operated an electrical appliance or switch.

The suspects have been identified and are scheduled to appear before a prosecutor. Authorities utilized forensic analysis, communications data, and expert testimony from electrical engineers to build the case. The investigation, supervised by judicial authorities, has now transitioned into the legal phase following the execution of arrest warrants.