Six people, including four American tourists, have been killed after a two-storey residential building collapsed in central Athens following an explosion, Greek authorities said.
The blast occurred in the Plaka district, one of the Greek capital’s most popular tourist areas, near major attractions including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.
Greek fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said emergency crews recovered the bodies of six people from the debris.
Rescuers wearing heavy protective equipment and red helmets searched the collapsed structure with the help of rescue dogs, cameras and sensors.
The four Americans were travelling as two couples and had been staying in one of the building’s apartments, while an elderly couple lived in another apartment, according to authorities.
The tourists had been expected to catch a flight from Athens International Airport at 3pm on Friday but failed to arrive, a police source said.
Gas suspected as possible cause
The cause of the explosion remained under investigation, with the fire brigade’s crime investigation unit examining the site.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the blast was likely connected to gas infrastructure. Authorities had also received reports of a gas smell in the area before the explosion.
The building was located in a densely populated part of Plaka, where hotels and short-term rental properties are common.
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US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle expressed her condolences following the deaths of the four Americans.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of four American citizens in yesterday’s explosion in central Athens,” she wrote on X.
Ambulances remained at the scene on Saturday to transport the bodies to a hospital for identification.
Blast damages surrounding area
The explosion caused extensive damage beyond the collapsed building, affecting nearby homes, shops and vehicles.
The force of the blast sent rubble and shattered glass as far as three blocks away, according to reports from the scene.
The building itself was reduced to twisted metal, broken tiles and piles of concrete mixed with household belongings and clothing.
The incident took place in one of Athens’ most visited areas, where the narrow streets and historic buildings attract large numbers of tourists throughout the year.
Investigators were continuing to examine the site as authorities worked to establish the exact circumstances and cause of the explosion.
