Greek authorities have arrested a 76-year-old man in connection with a fire that broke out at Sismanogleio Hospital in Athens.
The suspect had earlier been taken in for questioning by police officers working alongside the Fire Service as part of the investigation into the incident.
During the preliminary investigation, the man allegedly confessed to starting the fire inside a hospital ward and reportedly expressed remorse for his actions.
Suspect located at his home
Authorities said the 76-year-old was found at his home in the Athens suburb of Nea Filadelfeia before being handed over to the Fire Service’s Directorate for the Investigation of Arson Crimes, which is leading the inquiry into the cause of the fire.
According to the initial findings, the man had been admitted to the hospital for treatment of a medical condition and was staying in the first-floor ward where the fire broke out.
Investigators said that during an accounting of patients following the fire, one patient was initially found to be missing. According to the preliminary evidence, that patient had been staying in the ward where authorities believe the fire originated.
