Two dead, four missing after blast destroys building in central Athens
A blast destroyed a two-storey building in Athens' Plaka neighbourhood, killing two people and leaving four tourists and a local couple missing.
An explosion on Saturday destroyed a residential building in Plaka, near the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus, killing a man and a young woman. Rescue crews found their bodies as they cleared debris from the collapsed structure.
Four tourists, two American couples, were staying in another apartment. An elderly local couple who lived in the building also remain missing.
Three people were injured and debris was scattered as far as three blocks away, damaging nearby homes, shops and cars. Rescuers with heavy gear and sniffer dogs searched the site.
Authorities believe the blast was likely linked to gas infrastructure, though the cause is still under investigation. About 30 rescuers worked at the scene.
- 2
- Dead
- 4 tourists and 1 elderly couple
- Missing
- 3
- Injured
- Plaka, central Athens
- Location
Why it mattersBuilding collapses in populated tourist areas can cause mass casualties quickly; this rescue effort involves multiple missing people in a densely populated district.
AustraliaAustralian tourists may be affected; Australians travelling to Greece should be aware of the ongoing emergency response in central Athens' tourist zone.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 44 min ago
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