Μake us preferred on Google As authorities continue to search for the exact cause of the deadly explosion on Lysikratous Street in Plaka, a second front is opening for the area: the safety of the buildings surrounding the site of the disaster.
The shock wave hit the neighboring buildings, several of which are old, making a detailed inspection of their structural soundness necessary.
Inspections Underway on Neighboring Properties
A more detailed inspection is expected after the debris is removed, when engineers will be able to get a fuller picture of the structures.
Paris Charlavtis, Athens deputy mayor for technical services, said the Urban Planning Office will complete its inspection next week so that there is a clear picture of the condition of the neighboring structures.
He explained that the narrow streets in the area are an additional factor to consider, since in the event of a new problem, the ability to safely evacuate residents would be limited.
Two Adjacent Buildings “May Be Declared Unusable”
The initial assessment of the two immediately adjacent buildings is particularly worrying. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said their condition is severely compromised and did not rule out the possibility that they could be declared unfit for use.
The area includes both homes and tourist accommodations. According to the mayor, a hotel near the site has already moved its guests elsewhere.
To protect residents, natural gas and electricity networks on the street have also been shut off, while the relevant services remain on alert until the technical inspections are completed.
The Victims and the Identification Process
The victims were found in their beds, as they were inside the apartments at the moment of the explosion. Relatives of the victims have already arrived in Greece for the identification process.
Findings Point to a Gas Leak
Alongside the technical inspections, the investigation into what caused the explosion continues. Teams from the Arson Crimes Directorate and expert investigators are working at the site, examining the available evidence.
Doukas said the scene points to a very powerful explosion that occurred inside the building, estimating that it was most likely preceded by an extensive gas leak.
“What we all see is that there was a very large explosion from inside the building, so obviously an extensive gas leak, mainly in the front part, which created an incredible shock wave,” he said.
The task for investigators now is to identify the exact source of the leak and clarify the mechanism that led to the explosion.
“The Structural Soundness of the Adjacent Buildings Is Very Important”
Civil engineer Manos Kranidis, secretary general of POMIDA, the Hellenic Property Federation, focused on the safety of the surrounding structures, noting that older buildings require special attention, presenting greater technical challenges than newer properties.
Failure, Installation or Human Error Under Scrutiny
Regarding the mechanism that could lead to such a powerful explosion, Kranidis said there is more than one possibility, including a malfunction, a faulty installation or improper use.
He noted that the final answer must come from the findings of the investigation and not from assumptions, since it is especially important to identify the real causes in order to draw conclusions for preventing similar incidents.
The civil engineer also distinguished between natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, noting that they are different fuels but that both can cause serious explosions when the required specifications are not followed.
Leak Sensors and Rules for Short-Term Rentals
Andreas Chiou, president of PASYDA, the Panhellenic Association of Short-Term Rental Property Owners, addressed the issue of safety measures in short-term rental properties.
He said the law sets specific requirements for properties operating as short-term rentals, including measures related to detecting gas leaks.
He made particular reference to leak sensors, which can detect the presence of gas and warn occupants in time.
He noted that the Ministry of Tourism has begun inspections and said he expects a large number of properties to be checked gradually.
The Need to House Those Evacuated
Beyond the question of structural safety, there is also an immediate need to address the consequences for people who cannot return to their homes.
Doukas announced a temporary housing solution for residents, while stressing that a more permanent plan is needed if the buildings are deemed unfit for use or slated for demolition.
“If these buildings are deemed fit for demolition, it will take a very long time to find a solution, so we must help the residents immediately,” the Athens mayor said.
The Next Critical Stage of the Investigation
The completion of the Urban Planning Office inspections and the Fire Service investigation is now expected to be decisive. The two reports should shed light on different aspects of the case: on one side, the condition of the affected buildings, and on the other, the mechanism that led to the deadly explosion.
Until the inspections are completed, the area remains under increased monitoring, with attention focused both on the safety of the neighboring structures and on fully clarifying the causes of the tragedy.
