The Greek authorities on Friday arrested three men in connection with the theft of copper gas pipes from a building in a central tourist district of Athens last month, saying their actions led to a massive explosion that killed six people.
The three men — who were identified only as two Greeks, aged 37 and 55, and a 34-year-old Albanian — faced an investigating magistrate at an Athens court complex and were granted an extension until Monday to prepare their defense, according to a fire service spokesman, Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis. Investigators have not announced what charges they will pursue.
“According to the findings of the investigation, the three individuals are alleged to have sabotaged the pipe work of the natural gas installation in an attempt to steal copper pipes,” the fire service said in a statement. “Investigating their actions and establishing their connection to the explosion formed a central part of the inquiry.”
The explosion early on Sept. 25 in the Plaka district brought down the two-story building, killing a Greek woman, her British husband and two American siblings, along with their spouses.
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, officials had pointed to a gas leak as the likely cause of the blast, after residents reported smelling gas.
Copper theft from electricity infrastructure in Greece is a significant problem, particularly in rural areas, with thieves targeting transformers and substations. But the problem has not been seen as equally severe in connection with natural gas infrastructure.
The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, told Greek radio on Friday that gangs had stolen a total of nine kilometers of copper lighting cable in Athens, causing damage estimated at 500,000 euros, or nearly $560,000. Some streets were plunged into darkness because of the thefts, according to the mayor, who said the municipality had filed more than 70 reports to the police in connection with them.
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