One person has been killed and five others are missing after a powerful explosion destroyed a three-storey building in Athens’ historic Plaka district on Saturday. The blast occurred on a narrow street situated between the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, two of Greece’s most popular tourist landmarks.
Emergency responders are currently searching through the rubble of the collapsed structure, which local media report was being used as a holiday rental. Authorities suspect a gas leak triggered the explosion, though investigations are ongoing. Thermal imaging cameras and heavy machinery have been deployed to assist rescue teams in locating any potential survivors.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been formally released, but reports indicate that a woman’s body was discovered on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, the search for the remaining five individuals continues. According to Reuters, citing local police, the missing persons were identified as four American tourists, one British national, and a Greek citizen. Their status was raised when they failed to arrive for a flight at Athens International Airport.
The force of the blast caused significant damage to adjacent buildings and scattered debris across the roadway. While the nationalities of those involved have been reported by media outlets, officials have not yet officially confirmed the specific citizenship of the victims.
The BBC has reached out to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment regarding the British national reportedly among those missing.
Holiday rentals in historic districts… wasn’t there a debate about safety regulations last year? This feels like a preventable tragedy.
Is it strange that they’re using thermal imaging but still can’t confirm identities days later? Just wondering about the transparency here.
Five Americans and a Brit missing? That’s terrible. Gas explosions in old buildings are no joke, especially with tourism everywhere.
Plaka is so close to home. I saw smoke from my balcony this morning. Hope the rescue teams find the missing survivors soon.