Greek authorities have arrested three men in connection with the fire that severely damaged the former Badminton Theater in Athens, earlier this month.
The Fire Service’s Arson Crimes Unit said on Wednesday, that the suspects, aged 29, 32 and 52, were identified following an extensive investigation into the blaze, which broke out on July 12 at the abandoned theater located within the Goudi Metropolitan Park, approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from central Athens.
The Fire Service deployed 38 firefighters, 10 fire engines, two aerial ladder trucks and additional support vehicles to the scene and managed to contain the fire before it spread to the surrounding parkland, one of the capital’s largest urban green spaces. The incident prompted an immediate probe to determine the cause of the blaze.
The three suspects are due to appear before prosecutors following their arrests as criminal proceedings move forward.
The Badminton Theater was originally built as part of the Goudi Olympic Complex and hosted badminton events during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Following the Olympics, the venue was converted into a cultural center, staging concerts, theatrical performances, conferences and other major events before eventually closing its doors.
