A powerful explosion leveled a building in the heart of Athens on Friday, an incident Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described as an “incredible disaster.” The blast occurred in the Plaka district, a popular area for visitors located near historic landmarks including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.
Rescue teams recovered the body of a young woman from the rubble on Saturday. According to local media and the Greek news agency ANA, the victim was an American tourist who had been sharing the holiday rental with her husband and another couple.
Three other individuals sustained injuries in the explosion, which also caused significant damage to nearby vehicles and storefronts. Despite extensive search operations involving sniffer dogs, thermal cameras, and excavators, several people remain unaccounted for.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the nationalities of the missing persons, but reports indicate the group includes a British citizen and a Greek woman who resided on the second floor of the building. Additionally, four American tourists staying on the first floor are believed to be among those missing. A police official noted that the Americans were scheduled to check in for a flight out of Athens on Friday afternoon.
While officials suspect a gas leak triggered the blast, the exact sequence of events remains unclear. “Something went terribly wrong,” Mayor Doukas stated, emphasizing the extensive destruction along the entire street and adjacent areas.
Dozens of firefighters and specialized rescue vehicles have been deployed to the scene as emergency crews continue their efforts to search for survivors in the debris.
Travel insurance is more important than ever. So sad to hear about this accident near the Acropolis.
Four Americans missing? That is terrible. I hope rescue teams find survivors soon.
The Plaka area is so central and busy. How could a gas leak cause such devastation?
Horrifying news. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims in such a tragic event.