Investigations are underway into the causes of the powerful explosion that occurred Friday morning in an old building on Lysikratous Street, near its intersection with Amalia Avenue, in Plaka.
Authorities are searching the rubble with specially trained dogs, as there are reports that two elderly residents were living in the building and are currently missing.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Earlier, Fire Department spokesperson Yiannis Artopios, speaking to ERT News and the program “Newsroom,” noted that the building that collapsed was inhabited, which is why it must be thoroughly searched from top to bottom.
One passerby sustained minor injuries from the explosion, while two women were rescued from a neighboring building and taken to the hospital to receive first aid.
Initial indications regarding the causes
A vehicle from the relevant natural gas company arrived at the scene to secure the area, while the gas and electricity supplies were cut off to prevent another accident.
According to what the Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning of the Municipality of Athens, Paris Charlaftis, told ERT, initial indications point to a possible malfunction or natural gas leak that occurred overnight. However, he emphasized that definitive conclusions will be drawn only after the investigation by the Fire Department’s relevant Investigative Division is completed.
READ ALSO: “I Saw It Collapse Right in Front of Me”: Eyewitness Accounts of a Strong Smell of Gas Before the Explosion in a Building in Plaka
“The building is completely destroyed”
As the deputy mayor pointed out, the building where the explosion occurred has been completely destroyed.
“What we can say with certainty is that the building is completely unusable,” he said, adding that an on-site inspection by the relevant departments of the City of Athens will follow.
The adjacent building also appears to have sustained extensive damage, and its age is a cause for additional concern. According to Mr. Charlaftis, there is a plaque at the entrance indicating 1880 as the year of construction. “I don’t know if it is habitable. Given its age and the explosion, it may also be deemed unfit for habitation. Until the engineers conduct their inspection, however, we can only speculate,” he noted.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: The moment of the explosion in Plaka; terrified guests from a nearby hotel were running
Damage to stores and neighboring buildings
Inspections are being extended to neighboring buildings and adjacent blocks. The shock wave caused damage to stores, windows, roller shutters, and shutters, even at a greater distance from the epicenter of the explosion.
According to the initial on-site assessment in the area, most of this damage is considered minor. However, inspections are continuing to determine whether there are any structural issues with the buildings.
New Collapse During the Report
The situation at the scene remained dangerous, as part of the building collapsed while ERT’s live television broadcast was underway. Debris continued to fall, and a thick cloud of dust rose from the collapse.
Firefighters are keeping the area cordoned off until the removal of hazardous materials is complete and it is ensured that there is no risk of further collapse.
“The safety of the area takes precedence over any other use,” the deputy mayor emphasized, noting that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions regarding the extent of the damage and the exact causes of the explosion.
SEE ALSO: Powerful explosion in Plaka: Two women rescued, passerby injured (VIDEO & PHOTOS)
Source: ERT
