Rapid developments are unfolding in the investigation into the powerful explosion and fire that erupted Thursday morning at an auto parts business in Aspropyrgos, a western Athens suburb. The Athens First Instance Prosecutor has filed criminal charges against two individuals arrested in connection with the incident.
Critical Condition for Three Burn Victims
Of the eleven people injured and hospitalized after the blast, three remain in extremely critical condition. A 41-year-old man is intubated in the Intensive Care Unit, suffering burns over 75% of his body and a severe inhalation injury. He has already undergone surgery and is under constant monitoring by a specialized medical team.
A 54-year-old patient’s condition is described as exceptionally critical: he sustained burns across 90% of his body and is experiencing pronounced hypothermia. Treating physicians stress that the next 24 hours will be decisive for his survival.
A 28-year-old man remains intubated at the ‘G. Gennimatas’ Hospital, where he was transferred from Thriasio General Hospital. He suffered extensive burns and continues to receive intensive care.
Three Leading Scenarios for the Blast
Investigators from the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes are now focusing on the precise circumstances that triggered the fire. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the area in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events minute by minute.
So far, officials are examining three main hypotheses:
- The fire may have started from a lit cigarette—security footage reportedly shows an injured worker stating he had just lit a cigarette when flames broke out.
- It could have originated during oxy-acetylene welding work carried out near a propane tanker truck.
- A third possibility involves another heat-intensive activity—such as electric welding, angle grinding, or even torch use—conducted close to oxygen cylinders.
Flames spread rapidly and, upon reaching the tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), triggered the massive explosion that flattened the immediate area. The blast wave injured multiple workers, and three businesses located within the same city block were completely destroyed.
Criminal Charges Filed for Felonies
The business owner and the operator of the exploded tanker are expected to face trial. The prosecutor’s indictment includes two felonies and two misdemeanors: specifically, charges of causing an explosion and arson endangering human life, as well as aggravated bodily harm due to negligence and failure to implement and maintain legally required safety measures.
Following the filing of charges, both suspects appeared before the investigating magistrate and requested—and were granted—time to prepare their formal statements.