The case of the Gkrava school complex in Athens has turned into a blame game among authorities. The complex has been closed for a week over a gas odor that has alarmed students, parents, and teachers.
A month after the first complaint, initial inspections have found no leak. The Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), whose team inspected the complex on October 13, is expected to issue its findings next week.
Parents File Criminal Complaint
Meanwhile, the Union of Parents of Athens’ 5th Municipal District filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown on Thursday, asking the Athens First Instance Prosecutor’s Office to investigate any criminal acts or omissions and to treat the case as a priority.
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“If we hadn’t kept pressing for our children’s safety, no one would have cared. Everyone bears responsibility for what has happened,” said Antonis Deligiannis, the union’s general secretary. “We are asking for documents proving that all required inspections have been carried out, and we’re finding that none exist. We want thorough checks and a certificate guaranteeing that our children can attend school in complete safety.”
Deligiannis noted that recent inspections covered only two of the complex’s three gas lines, with officials arguing the third is inactive since it serves the swimming pool, which has not yet opened.
According to sources, the most recent certificate found for pressure and leak testing of the gas system dates back to 2014, although experts say facilities of this size should be retested every four years.
The president of the Federation of Parents of the Attica Region said the complex had a permanent technician maintaining its gas installations until about two years ago. “Since he retired, we don’t know what has happened or whether any company now has a contract to maintain the installations,” he added.
The City of Athens closed the complex on October 9 pending the required inspections, and its roughly 4,000 students are now attending classes remotely.