Two dead after explosion destroys building near Athens Acropolis
An explosion flattened a three-storey holiday rental building in the Plaka district of Athens, leaving at least two dead and four missing.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- An explosion destroyed a three-storey building in the Plaka historic district of Athens.
- Two American tourists were confirmed dead, with four other people reported missing.
- Emergency services suspect a gas leak was the cause of the devastating blast.
- Rescue teams deployed excavators and thermal imaging cameras to search through rubble.
A powerful explosion completely destroyed a three-storey building housing holiday rental properties in the historic centre of Athens, Greece. The blast occurred in the Plaka neighbourhood, a bustling area situated close to major tourist landmarks including the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
According to AFP, citing local officials, an American man and woman died in the incident. Two additional US tourists, along with a Greek national and a UK national who lived in the building, are currently reported missing. Reuters reported that the tourists' disappearance was first discovered when they failed to arrive for their scheduled flight at Athens airport.
The force of the explosion completely collapsed the building, damaging neighbouring structures and scattering debris across the surrounding streets. Local reports indicated that pedestrians were injured by flying debris, prompting authorities to evacuate several nearby buildings. Fire officials and emergency responders rushed to the scene, utilizing heavy excavators and thermal imaging cameras to comb through the rubble for survivors.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"We are talking about an incredible disaster."
Haris Doukas, Athens Mayor
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described the catastrophe as incredible. A Greek fire official confirmed that the body of a woman was recovered on Saturday morning, followed by the discovery of a man's body later that day.
The explosion in the densely populated Plaka district highlights the ongoing safety challenges of managing aging infrastructure in ancient European capitals. Historic neighborhoods that combine residential housing, tourist accommodations, and old utility networks are particularly vulnerable to sudden accidents such as suspected gas leaks, posing significant challenges for local emergency services.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the blast, with a gas leak remaining the primary suspected factor. BBC News has reached out to the UK Foreign Office for further updates regarding the British national involved.
Source: BBC World
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