In brief
An explosion caused by a suspected gas leak on a small road in Athens’ historic Plaka district collapsed a three‑storey building. Six people, including a British national and four American holidaymakers, were killed, and nearby residents were evacuated. Emergency teams used excavators and thermal imaging to search for survivors, while authorities confirmed all bodies had been recovered by the following day. The incident occurred close to major tourist sites like the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus, prompting a statement from the UK Foreign Office.
Six people, including a British national and four American holidaymakers, died when a building in Athens’ Plaka neighbourhood collapsed after an explosion that likely stemmed from a gas leak. The blast shattered a three‑storey structure within minutes of detonating, piling rubble across narrow streets and damaging nearby properties.
Emergency crews on Saturday were seen combing the wreckage and using thermal imaging cameras to locate any survivors. Local authorities reported that the incident caused injuries from scattered debris and forced the evacuation of several adjacent buildings.
The building stood on a small road nestled between two of the city’s most famous landmarks: the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described the event as “an incredible disaster,” and all six bodies had been recovered by Saturday afternoon.
Officials confirmed that the tourist deaths were noted when the group missed their scheduled flight from Athens Airport later on Friday, according to Reuters and local police sources. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson indicated that the U.K. was in contact with Greek authorities as the investigation continued.
