Greece's opposition PASOK party has called for a full investigation into an explosion in the Plaka district of Athens that killed six people.
In a joint statement, Andreas Poulas, PASOK's official responsible for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, and Michalis Chalaris, the party's sector head for Climate Crisis and Resilience, urged authorities to determine the exact causes of the blast. They stated that uncovering the truth is not merely an official duty, but a matter of institutional credibility, public safety, and respect for the victims.
Poulas and Chalaris pointed out that three days after the tragedy, citizens are still waiting for clear answers regarding what triggered the fatal event.
PASOK, formally known as the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, is a major centre-left political party in Greece that forms part of the parliamentary opposition. The neighbourhood of Plaka is one of the oldest residential areas in central Athens, situated directly below the eastern slope of the Acropolis and famous for its narrow historic streets and aging building infrastructure.
Demand for detailed findings
The party officials stated that a general reference to a potential gas leak is not enough on its own to explain the explosion. They emphasized the need for a clear, complete, and technically substantiated report that avoids rushed conclusions, communication simplifications, or predetermined answers, and accurately reconstructs the entire chain of events.
The representatives also noted that assessing the safety of neighbouring buildings damaged by the blast is an urgent priority. They demanded that structural stability checks be completed immediately so residents can be informed clearly whether and when it is safe to return to their homes, while calling for immediate, substantial, and organised assistance for those who remain displaced.
Looking ahead, the PASOK officials warned that the disaster highlights broader urban safety challenges across Greek cities. They called for the creation of a comprehensive prevention plan based on regular infrastructure inspections, clearly designated responsibilities, proper maintenance, and prompt responses to any safety warnings.
