Two American Tourists Killed in Athens Building Collapse After Explosion

Two American citizens have died following the collapse of a building in Athens, Greece, after an explosion struck the historic Plaka district on Friday. Rescue operations are currently underway as crews search for survivors, according to officials.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated that the blast was likely triggered by a gas leak. He described the incident as an “incredible disaster,” noting that damage extended to the street and areas behind the structure.

Greek rescue officials confirmed that the deceased American man and woman were staying in a tourist-rented apartment on the floor above street level. Their identities have not yet been released.

Five people remain unaccounted for, including an elderly British man and a Greek woman who lived together in an apartment within the same building. Authorities have identified three nearby structures as unstable and are conducting inspections to determine whether they must be demolished.

Approximately 30 rescuers and three sniffer dogs are at the site, with thermal-imaging cameras and mechanical diggers being utilized to locate potential survivors, the Agence France-Presse reported. The explosion brought down the small, two-story building located just below the Acropolis monument.

Concerns about infrastructure in the area predate the incident. A letter published by the Kathimerini newspaper revealed that residents of the Plaka neighborhood warned the city and utility companies a year ago about risks posed by gas leaks and short circuits. The residents’ association had also called for a fire drill to test emergency response plans for the district.

The Plaka area is a major tourist destination, situated near the Acropolis, which welcomed 4.6 million visitors last year.