Six dead after explosion causes building to collapse in central Athens

ATHENS, Sept 26 — The bodies of an American couple visiting Greece have been recovered from a building that collapsed following an explosion, officials announced. Four others remain missing, including an elderly British man and a Greek woman who shared an apartment. The blast occurred early Friday in Athens's historic Plaka district, situated near the Acropolis. Rescue operations are currently underway, with mechanical diggers clearing debris and thermal-imaging cameras being used to locate survivors.

The American woman and man had been staying in a tourist apartment located on the floor above street level in the building that was destroyed. Greek rescue officials have not yet disclosed their identities. Greek Mayor Haris Doukas stated that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak. He emphasized the severity of the disaster, noting damage to nearby buildings as well. Two additional buildings remain in a dangerous state and are being inspected to determine whether they can remain standing or must be demolished.

Rescue efforts are underway with 30 workers and three sniffer dogs at the site, according to the ANA news agency. A specialized fire team is still investigating the cause of the blast. Residents of the Plaka neighborhood had previously alerted city officials and utility providers about the risk of gas leaks or short circuits a year ago, as detailed in a letter published by the Kathimerini newspaper. The area, one of Athens’s most popular tourist destinations, attracts 4.6 million visitors annually.