Three suspected copper thieves identified over deadly Plaka gas explosion

Three suspects identified

The Fire Service's Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE) has identified three men in connection with the explosion in Plaka, central Athens, on the morning of 25 September 2026. Two of the suspects are Greek and the third is an Albanian citizen. Athens judicial authorities have already issued arrest warrants against all three. The findings were announced on 29 October 2026, after 34 days of investigation carried out under conditions of extreme secrecy. The blast flattened a three-storey building and killed six people.

How the leak was traced

According to the investigators, the three men tampered with the gas installation in order to steal copper pipes, and the damage released gas that later ignited. Investigators first recovered the meter and supply pipes from the rubble. Laboratories of the National Technical University of Athens then pinpointed the exact leak point inside the ground floor, next to the meter. Court-appointed experts, two electrical engineers and a chemist, took part in the scientific documentation alongside university staff. Investigators reconstructed the scene and analysed video material, communications data obtained after the privacy of communications was lifted, and the evidence collected on site.

Camera footage and prior records

ANT1 reported that security cameras recorded the three men entering the building around 02:00, a few hours before the blast. Minutes later they were seen leaving at a run, carrying a section of copper pipe. Media reports put the suspects at 34, 37 and 55 years old. ANT1 reported that one of them has been arrested more than 20 times and the other two more than 15 times each, for offences including theft, robbery, weapons and drugs. iefimerida reported that the three have come to the attention of authorities at least 50 times for those offences and for serious bodily harm. These records come from media reports and are not part of the official investigation findings.

Charges expected and the school van

According to reports, prosecutors are expected to bring charges of intentional homicide, a deadly explosion committed with intent, and arson. ANT1 footage also shows a black van carrying 12 pupils from a private school passing the building as the explosion happened. The children were within arm's reach of the site, according to the report, and the van's driver reportedly said that the children were spared.

Investigation and what comes next

The inquiry was led by deputy fire chief Dimitris Dimakogiannis, according to NEWS 24/7, working with court-appointed experts.

Six people died in the explosion, and the collapse of the building followed the blast. The three men are being sought, and the arrest warrants remain in force while the search continues.