Body recovered from collapsed building in Athens

A body was recovered from the debris of a building that collapsed in Athens' historic Plaka district on Saturday, following an explosion in the area, according to the Greek press agency ANA. Authorities believe the deceased individual to be an American tourist who was residing in a holiday rental with her husband and another couple on the first floor of the apartment building.

Six people have been reported missing since the Friday morning explosion, which Mayor Haris Doukas has attributed to a gas leak. The building, situated just below the Acropolis on a narrow street, caused significant vibrations throughout the area. Local news outlets reported that the missing individuals included a Briton and a Greek woman on the second floor, along with four American tourists who were staying on the first floor.

Thirty firefighters have been dispatched to the scene, utilizing six vehicles, including two specialized rescue vehicles, and three search and rescue dogs. Excavators are currently working to clear the rubble, and thermal cameras have been deployed at the site by rescuers, as seen in images provided by AFP. The extent of the damage is extensive, with the blast affecting the entire street and the one behind the building, as explained by Mayor Doukas. He emphasized that the disaster is of "incredible" proportions.