3 held for 6 deaths in Athens linked to copper pipe theft

Mohan Sinha
01 Nov 2026, 15:07 GMT+10

Greek authorities have arrested three people suspected of stealing copper gas pipes from a building in central Athens, causing a gas leak that led to a deadly explosion in September.
Following an investigation, experts from the fire brigade's crime investigation unit found that the suspects had damaged the building's main natural gas supply system while removing sections of copper piping.
The two-storey building suffered a major explosion after gas accumulated following damage to the supply pipes.

ATHENS, Greece: Greek authorities have arrested three people suspected of stealing copper gas pipes from a building in central Athens, causing a gas leak that led to a deadly explosion in September.

The suspects are two Greek men and an Albanian national. The blast occurred on September 25 in the popular tourist district of Plaka, killing six people, including four Americans.

Following an investigation, experts from the fire brigade's crime investigation unit found that the suspects had damaged the building's main natural gas supply system while removing sections of copper piping.

Fire brigade officials said late on October 29 that the damage occurred several hours before the explosion.

The blast occurred early in the morning when a resident switched on a light, triggering the explosion.

The two-storey building suffered a major explosion after gas accumulated following damage to the supply pipes.

The three suspects appeared before a prosecutor on October 30 as the investigation continues.

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