Authorities investigating Thursday’s explosion and fire at a vehicle repair facility in Aspropyrgos, west of Athens, are examining whether a tanker truck carrying a large quantity of propane contributed to the scale of the blast.
Initial reports suggested the tanker may have contained only propane residues. However, investigators now believe it may have been carrying about two tons of propane when it was brought to the workshop for suspension repairs. Officials from Greece’s Special Crimes Division said evidence collected at the scene is consistent with an explosion involving such a quantity of fuel.
The investigation is also examining the circumstances of the initial blast. A Romanian worker told firefighters that he and a colleague were performing welding work on the tanker when he lit a cigarette, triggering an explosion. Both workers remain hospitalized and have been intubated.
Authorities believe the first fire may have involved a gas cylinder. People from nearby businesses who rushed to help were injured when the tanker later exploded.
Eleven people were hospitalized after the incident, including three who remain in serious condition. Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from nearby businesses as they work to determine the cause of the explosions.
