The investigation into the deadly explosion in Plaka, which killed six people, is focused on the second floor of the building, the natural gas installation and mainly on identifying the exact point of the leak. At the same time, decisive answers are expected from the forensic reports and toxicology tests of the victims.
Greek media reports that following the tragic outcome of the search and rescue operation in the ruins of the building on Lysikratous Street, attention has now shifted to the investigation of the causes. A team of ten specialized officers from the Arson Crimes Division is conducting an autopsy, recording and collecting evidence from the scene.
The epicenter is the second-floor apartment, where the elderly couple lived. Indications so far place the largest explosion there, while, according to available information, this particular apartment was the only one in the building with an active autonomous supply of natural gas. Experts are examining pipes and installation parts, trying to determine the source and mechanism of the explosion.
A natural gas leak in the internal network remains the main scenario being examined, but there is still no final conclusion. The possibility of an explosion from a propane cylinder is being ruled out, as no relevant findings have been found so far, while no leak occurred from a neighboring building in the three-story building on Lysikratous.
Of particular importance at this stage is the connection of the technical findings with the results of the forensic and toxicological examinations. As Michael E. Avgouleas, acting fire chief and forensic expert, emphasizes, the official findings of the forensic reports and toxicological examinations will play a key role in clarifying the circumstances and causes of the explosion and fire, in direct combination with the identification of the exact point of leakage.
He highlights a broader dimension to the tragedy, noting that the explosion and subsequent fire with six deaths in Plaka highlight safety gaps in the use of natural gas. He also specifically mentions short-term rental accommodations, citing initial confusion over the number and locations of those trapped.
As he points out, the fact that for a long time there was complete uncertainty about the exact number and locations of individuals trapped now makes it imperative to put strict safety protocols in place in short-term rental accommodations, such as Airbnb. The investigation is ongoing, with experts now searching for that finding that will allow them to reliably determine where the leak occurred and how the building was led to the deadly explosion and fire.
