Authorities are being called upon to answer a series of critical questions over the deadly explosion in Plaka, which claimed the lives of six people.

The six victims were the two elderly residents of the second-floor apartment and four people who had rented an apartment on the first floor of the building. The latter four were two couples, three of whom were of Albanian origin and held American citizenship. They were siblings Florin Hoxha and Eris Çani, together with their spouses, Ian Alexander Kirkpatrick and Florinda Hoxha. One couple had traveled to Greece for their honeymoon, while the other, according to a relative, was expecting a child.

Officials from the Directorate for the Investigation of Arson Crimes are continuing their investigations, while ten experts are examining every piece of evidence that could shed light on the circumstances in which the tragedy occurred.

The focus is now on identifying the source from which the gas that probably caused the explosion originated. At the same time, the results of the forensic examinations of the bodies of the six victims are awaited and are expected to provide additional information about their final moments.

The area around the building remains cordoned off, while structural stability inspections will be carried out on neighbouring buildings in the coming days.

The gas leak scenario on the second floor

The main scenario being examined by the authorities concerns a natural gas leak from the second floor, where the elderly couple lived. It was the only apartment in the building with its own independent natural gas installation. There had previously been a natural gas supply on the first floor as well, but it had been disconnected in 2021 following a relevant request.

Natural gas was used to heat the apartment and for cooking. Investigators have located sections of piping. However, the boiler has not so far been found among the rubble.

Experts are examining the possibility that the leak occurred during the night and that the gas remained trapped inside the premises, reaching a concentration capable of causing an explosion. In such a scenario, a simple spark could have acted as the ignition mechanism.

Authorities are examining the location where the body of the 76-year-old woman was found, namely in the bathroom, next to the washbasin. This evidence has led investigators to consider the possibility that she moved towards that particular spot shortly before the explosion.

If gas had accumulated inside the premises, authorities are examining whether switching on the light could have caused the spark.

No smell of gas had been reported before the explosion

Despite reports made after the incident about a possible smell of gas in the area, the Fire Brigade says that no complaint had been made before the explosion. Officials from Enaon EDA were also present at the scene to examine the natural gas installation and assist with the investigation.

Experts are also examining how the gas moved through the premises, as well as the direction of the blast wave. Other possibilities have so far been ruled out, as no propane cylinder has been found. At the same time, there is no evidence that the gas came from another property and moved into the particular apartment.

Urban Planning Department inspections begin tomorrow

Meanwhile, tomorrow the Urban Planning Department of the Municipality of Athens will begin a new round of on-site inspections to document in detail the impact of the powerful explosion.

An initial inspection has already been carried out in the area, and instructions have been issued for the safe continuation of work among the rubble.