Three copper thieves, who have already been identified, caused the deadly explosion in Plaka a month ago, resulting in the deaths of six people. Investigators uncovered video footage showing the three thieves entering the three-story building just hours before the explosion and running out within minutes, carrying a piece of copper pipe. Polytechnic laboratories identified the exact location of the leak.

According to information obtained by protothema.gr, officers from the Fire Service’s Directorate for Combating Arson concluded that the explosion was caused by the theft and tampering with materials carried out by three men in the early hours of that same day. More specifically, sources familiar with the case said the evidence gathered indicated that, several hours before the explosion, three men — one Albanian and two Greek nationals — approached the apartment building intending to steal materials.

Two of them entered the building, made their way into the windowless stairwell where the utility meter was located, and attempted to remove pipes. During their attempt, they cut one of the natural gas supply pipes, causing a leak.

The natural gas spread through the building and accumulated on the second floor, where the elderly couple lived. At some point, when the woman got up and possibly switched on a light or another electrical switch, the explosion occurred. Authorities have identified all three suspects, and locating and arresting them is considered only a matter of hours away.

A School Minibus Escaped by Seconds

As can be seen in a striking photograph obtained and published by protothema.gr, flames from the explosion are visible on both the upper floors and the ground floor, because the entire building had filled with natural gas.

Particularly shocking is the fact that the black minibus visible in the photograph was a school vehicle carrying students. Miraculously, it passed the building shortly before it was blown apart.