Probe launched into hostel fire that killed two women

An investigation has been launched into a fire that broke out at a hostel for the elderly in the Athens suburb of Kallithea on Saturday, resulting in the death of two women, aged 55 and 68. 

It remained unclear on Tuesday whether the facility, which has been in operation since the 1980s, had a valid fire safety certification. 

Its management had applied for certification from the fire service in February 2007, Kathimeirni understands.

An inspection followed in March of that year and the fire service sent a report to the hostel with a list of instructions including the installation of a fire detector system. 

It remains unclear whether the changes were made, however, as fire service officials said they did not hear back from the hostel with the documents required for a certificate to be issued. 

Of 1,450 such facilities registered with the government, only 500 have fire safety certification, Kathimerini understands.