Disturbing footage has emerged from the major fire and subsequent explosion at an auto parts business in Aspropyrgos, a western Athens suburb. The blast injured at least 11 people, three of whom remain hospitalized on ventilators.
Two arrested amid criminal investigation
Authorities have arrested two individuals: the business owner and the operator of the tanker truck where the explosion occurred. A criminal file has been compiled against them for causing fire and explosion with possible intent — to be forwarded to the relevant Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Graphic video shows immediate aftermath
The video captures the scene just moments after the explosion. Screams are heard as thick black smoke fills the air. Suddenly, a man emerges from the smoke — his clothes charred, his body covered in burns. A voice urgently shouts: “Come on, get out of here — the ‘bear’ blew up!” (a local slang term reportedly used for propane tanks).
Investigators examine cause of blast
Officers from Greece’s Directorate of Economic Crime (DAEE) conducted an on-site inspection, collected evidence, and continue their preliminary investigation, reviewing all possible scenarios that could have led to the explosion.
According to initial findings, the fire may have started during oxy-acetylene welding — a process involving highly flammable acetylene gas — carried out near a propane-filled tanker truck. Investigators are now focusing on how the ignition occurred and what triggered the powerful explosion. No definitive conclusions have been announced yet.