Fire investigators from Greece’s Fire Service have uncovered the sequence of events that led to the devastating dual explosion in Aspropyrgos. Three of the 11 injured remain in critical condition in intensive care units.
What Triggered the First Explosion?
According to the official report by the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE), the first explosion likely stemmed from a gas leak—possibly from a propane or acetylene cylinder—inside a heavy-vehicle repair workshop. A worker reportedly attempted to light a cigarette using a lighter, igniting the flammable gas mixture and triggering the initial blast.
How the Fire Escalated
During their on-site inspection, DAEE experts described how the fire, fueled by existing combustible materials, quickly spread to an adjacent area where a propane tanker was parked. The intense heat caused the tanker to rupture violently, resulting in a second powerful explosion—marked by rapid propane release—and further fire expansion.
Regulatory Gaps Raise Concerns
According to reports by ANT1, the workshop—covering approximately 500 square meters—was classified as low-risk and therefore not required to hold an active fire protection certification. As such, it fell outside mandatory inspection protocols; controls are only conducted on a sampling basis, regardless of whether the facility is located within an industrial zone. Experts point to this as a significant gap in Greece’s current fire safety legislation.
Owner’s Statement and Ongoing Investigation
The workshop owner stated that all legally required safety measures had been implemented and claimed no repair work was underway at the time. He confirmed the tanker held between 1.5 and 2 tons of propane, having been brought to the site the day before the incident pending repairs due to a faulty valve.
Investigators are now reviewing the fire protection study submitted by the workshop’s engineer—specifically checking whether the use of gas cylinders was properly declared. Meanwhile, two individuals arrested and charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors have been granted a deadline to appear for questioning on Wednesday, 15 July.