Six dead after explosion destroys building in Athens

ATHENS - Six individuals lost their lives on Saturday when a two-story residential building in a central tourist area collapsed due to an explosion. The Greek fire brigade reported six fatalities after conducting a search for bodies amid the debris, according to Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a fire brigade spokesman.

Emergency crews, equipped with protective gear and utilizing rescue dogs, cameras, and sensors, recovered the bodies of six people. They were searching for an elderly couple living in one apartment and four tourists staying in another. The investigation into the cause of the blast was underway, as reports of a gas odor in the area prompted authorities to take action. The tourist area, known for its hotels and short-term rentals, was the epicenter of the disaster.

Two American couples, originally scheduled to arrive for a flight from Athens airport at 3pm local time on Friday, failed to show up. A police source confirmed their absence from the scene. Ambulances remained on standby throughout the day to transport the deceased for identification.

The explosion on Friday reduced the building in Plaka to twisted metal, shattered tiles, and concrete, scattering household items and clothing over a three-block radius. Damage extended to nearby houses, shops, and vehicles, with debris and broken glass spreading far beyond the immediate area. The area, adjacent to some of Athens' most visited sites like the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, suffered significant damage.