Six people have died after a powerful explosion caused a building to collapse in Plaka, central Athens, with investigators examining whether a gas leak may have triggered the blast.
The explosion happened on Friday morning on Lysikratous Street, in one of Athens’ busiest historic neighbourhoods near the Acropolis. The force of the blast damaged nearby buildings and vehicles, while the building where the explosion occurred was left in ruins.
The victims included four U.S. citizens, a British man, and a Greek woman. The four Americans had been staying in the building as visitors to Athens, while the British man and Greek woman lived there.
Investigators Are Looking at a Possible Gas Leak
A gas leak is among the main possibilities being examined, but authorities have not established the cause of the explosion.
Investigators are examining the scene, including utility installations, structural materials and other evidence, while witness accounts and available video footage are also being assessed.
Reports that people had noticed a smell of gas in the area before the explosion are also being examined. The Fire Service has stressed that such reports do not, by themselves, establish what caused the blast.
The precise point where the explosion originated and the reason the building collapsed are also part of the investigation.
Rescue Operation Ends with Six Victims Recovered
Emergency crews spent hours searching the wreckage for people who might have survived.
Firefighters and specialist rescue teams used search dogs, thermal-imaging equipment, and geophones, along with heavy machinery, as they worked through the building’s unstable remains.
The operation ultimately ended with the recovery of all six people who had been reported missing.
Two women were also rescued from a neighboring building and taken to hospital after being injured, while another person was reportedly hurt by flying debris. Nearby properties suffered significant damage.
A Tragedy in One of Athens’ Busiest Tourist Areas
The location makes the incident particularly significant for visitors.
Plaka sits directly below the Acropolis and is one of the most heavily visited parts of Athens, with narrow streets lined with homes, hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants and small businesses.
The explosion therefore occurred in an area where residents and visitors normally move through the streets throughout the day.
For now, however, the focus remains on determining what happened and whether a gas leak or another factor caused the explosion.
No final cause has yet been established.
Source reporting checked against Reuters and ERT News.
