Nikos Toskas, the Greek government minister responsible for public order and civil protection, referred to "significant signs" of arson as authorities are investigating one of the country's deadliest outbreaks in history. His remarks came shortly after another senior official accused illegally built houses of blocking escape routes for victims.
Greek officials speculate that the massive wildfires that devastated the Region, encompassing Athens, killing at least 85 people, were deliberately started.
“We have serious and substantial indications of criminal acts of arson,” said Nikos Toskas, Deputy Minister of Public Order and Citizens Protection, at a press conference on Thursday.
Satellite images show the deadly flames were simultaneously launched in a number of locations in southern Greece, near the capital, he said.
On Monday afternoon, more than 15 wildfires erupted in Attica in southern Greece, east and west of the capital Athens, engulfing coastal areas popular with tourists. The city of Mati, located about 30 km east of Athens, was the most affected, where a group of 26 bodies was found, just 30 meters from the sea.
The death toll has risen to 85, more than the country's 2007 wildfire death toll, making this week's disaster the country's deadliest fire in decades. At least 187 people were injured, including 23 children. The search for new victims on land and at sea continues. Dozens are missing.