One of the two people with severe burns who were being treated following the fire in Aspropyrgos was discharged from KAT Hospital this morning.

A total of 11 people were injured in the incident, three of whom suffered severe burns. Two were transported to KAT, while the third is being treated at “G. Gennimatas” Hospital, having suffered extensive burns over his entire body.

It should be noted that the condition of three of the eleven injured who were taken to hospitals following the explosion caused by a major fire that broke out at a auto parts shop in Aspropyrgos on Thursday morning (July 9), had been described as particularly critical.

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Those suffering from severe burns were immediately transported to hospitals to be treated for their serious injuries.

Charges filed against the arrested individuals for two felonies and two misdemeanors

The Athens Public Prosecutor has filed criminal charges for two felonies and two misdemeanors against the two suspects arrested in connection with the major fire and powerful explosion that occurred on Thursday morning at an auto parts shop in Aspropyrgos. The defendants are the owner of the auto parts shop and the operator of the tanker truck that exploded following a leak of liquefied petroleum gas, most likely propane.

The charges they face: According to ERT, the prosecution concerns the felonies of causing an explosion and arson that could have endangered human life, as well as the misdemeanors of causing serious bodily injury through negligence and failure to adopt and comply with the required safety measures.

Authorities are closely examining video footage taken immediately after the fire
broke out. Investigations by the Arson Crimes Division are in full swing, and video footage capturing the moments immediately after the fire broke out and just before the major explosion is also being closely examined.

Although there have been reports of a possible cigarette-related ignition, initial assessments by investigators suggest that the fire started during hot work inside the repair shop, involving the use of a blowtorch near oxygen cylinders.

The fire spread rapidly, and when it reached the tanker truck carrying liquefied gas, a powerful explosion occurred, resulting in injuries to workers and the complete destruction of three businesses in the block.

The investigation is ongoing

The two defendants were brought before the investigating judge, from whom they requested and were granted a deadline to prepare their defenses in the coming days. Meanwhile, the relevant authorities are continuing their investigation, examining the possibility that other individuals who may be involved in the case could also be held responsible.

The fire was caused by work involving an open flame

Based on the evidence available to the authorities so far regarding the fire and explosion at Arkoudas Sole Proprietorship IKE Auto Repair Shop in Aspropyrgos, Attica, it appears that the firewas linked to work involving the use of an open flame, using a system of oxygen-acetylene system and spread to a propane tanker truck located on the company’s premises.

Officials from the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE), accompanied by specialized personnel, arrived at the scene of the fire on the morning of Thursday (July 9). As part of the preliminary investigation, DAEE officers conducted a thorough on-site inspection, collected evidence, and evaluated the findings, with the aim of investigating the circumstances under which the fire broke out and the subsequent explosion occurred.

According to the investigation’s findings so far, the incident is believed to be linked to hot work involving an open flame, using an oxygen-acetylene cylinder system, which then spread to a propane tanker truck located on the company’s premises.

Source: Protothema.gr