Three arrests over Plaka explosion – they were stealing copper from natural gas installation
Three suspects, aged 34, 37 and 55, were arrested in connection with the sabotage that caused the deadly explosion in Plaka on 25 September 2026.
Arrests over Plaka explosion: suspects were cutting copper pipes from gas installation
Three men, aged 34, 37 and 55, were arrested following the issuance of warrants in connection with the deadly explosion that struck Plaka on 25 September 2026. According to Ethnos, their identification resulted from an intensive investigation by the Arson Crimes Prevention Directorate (ΔΑΕΕ) of the Fire Service.
The three men are alleged to have entered the building with the aim of stealing copper piping and, whilst removing it, caused a crack in the internal natural gas installation. The subsequent leak is connected, according to investigators, to the explosion that claimed lives.
What the video evidence showed
Analysis of the audiovisual material proved to be a decisive element of the investigation. The three men were located inside the building for only a few minutes, after which they hastily departed carrying a section of copper pipe.
In parallel, the ΔΑΕΕ utilised evidence gathered following the lifting of communications secrecy, as well as evidence from the explosion site. Particular weight was given to scientific documentation: the ΔΑΕΕ collaborated with expert witnesses – electrical engineers and a chemist – as well as with the metallography laboratory of the Metallurgy and Materials Technology department of the National Technical University of Athens.
34 days of investigation under strict secrecy
From the first day after the explosion, ΔΑΕΕ personnel worked round the clock under conditions of strict secrecy. During the 34 days that elapsed until 29 October, investigative work was combined with a methodical reconstruction of the explosion site, aimed at recording the position of the evidence and reconstituting the sequence of events.
Heavy criminal history of the accused
All three men have repeatedly engaged the attention of the authorities. According to ANT1, the 34-year-old has more than 20 arrests to his name, whilst the 37-year-old and 55-year-old each have 15. Their previous cases include theft, robbery, illegal possession of weapons, drugs offences and serious bodily harm.
Video document: school van with 12 children seconds before explosion
Ethnos presented new video footage capturing the moment of the explosion. In the footage, a black van can be seen moving along Lysikratous Street, at a very short distance from the location. The vehicle was carrying 12 pupils from a private school, who had a narrow escape.
Source: Ethnos