Three arrested after Athens explosion killed 6, including pregnant woman
Arrests follow deadly blast
The explosion occurred at about 7.30am in Plaka, Athens. Three men were arrested in connection with the deaths. Fire brigade officials said investigators concluded that the suspects damaged the two-storey building’s main gas supply hours before the blast. Proto Thema reported that the men allegedly entered the property early that morning and removed sections of copper pipe.
Four victims were Americans
Four of the six people killed were US citizens: Florida Hoxha, 34, her husband Ian Kirkpatrick, 37, her brother Florin Hoxha, 36, and Florin’s partner, Eris Caney, 39. Caney was five months pregnant with a baby girl.
The four were expected to fly back to the US later that day, Florida and Florin’s brother Clyde Hoxha said. He said Florida and Ian had married 25 days before the explosion.
Damage and family’s response
More than half of the residential building collapsed, and nearby properties were damaged. Debris also fell onto the road after the blast. Clyde Hoxha said the family wanted to understand what had happened and find peace. “We are not blaming anyone,” he said, describing grief as involving many emotions.
Children escape injury
A minibus carrying 12 schoolchildren passed along Lysikratous Street seconds before the explosion. Debris struck the vehicle, but none of the children was injured.
Key points
- Three men were arrested over the explosion in Plaka, Athens.
- Six people died, including four US citizens and a woman who was five months pregnant.
- Investigators said damage to the building’s gas supply preceded the blast.
- A school bus carrying 12 children passed seconds earlier; all escaped injury.