Three arrested over Athens gas explosion that killed six

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 21:33 · Archive

Three men have been arrested in connection with a gas explosion in Athens on 25 September that killed six people, including four Americans.

Three men have been arrested over a gas explosion in Athens on 25 September that killed six people. Two Greek nationals, aged 37 and 55, and an Albanian man aged 34 were held on suspicion of stealing copper pipes from a building in the historic Plaka district. Investigators allege the men entered the building in the early hours and cut and removed part of a copper pipe from the natural gas installation. This damage allowed gas to escape and accumulate in the building. When a resident turned on a light, an electrical spark ignited the accumulated gas, causing the explosion.

The blast killed four American citizens and an elderly couple. The Americans were Florida Hoxha, 34, her husband Ian Kirkpatrick, 37, her brother Florin Hoxha, 36, and his wife Eris Caney, 39, who was five months pregnant. The other victims were Edmond Hings, 78, a British national, and his Greek wife Athena Papaprescou, 77. According to the Independent World, Florida and Ian had been married for just 25 days and were due to return to the United States later that day.

The three suspects appeared before a court on Friday and were granted an extension until Monday to prepare their defence. Police have not yet confirmed what charges will be pursued. Security camera footage allegedly shows the men entering the building before the explosion, according to the Greek newspaper Katherimeni. The explosion collapsed the entire building and damaged neighbouring properties.

How it is being reported

• 3 men arrested in blast that killed 6 in Athens, GreeceThree men were arrested Friday in connection with an explosion in Athens that killed six people on Sept. 25, including four Americans.UPI · 30 Oct, 21:14
• Three men arrested over deadly Athens gas explosion that killed pregnant woman and five othersThe devastating gas explosion blew up the entire property and narrowly missed a bus full of school childrenIndependent World · 30 Oct, 13:54

In this story: Athens · Greece · Florida Hoxha · Ian Kirkpatrick · Florin Hoxha · Eris Caney · Edmond Hings · Athena Papaprescou

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