Six dead after explosion destroys building in Athens

Six Dead After Explosion Destroys Residential Building in Central Athens

Details of the Athens Residential Building Explosion

Incident Overview

ATHENS, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Six people have died after a two-storey residential building in a tourist area of central Athens collapsed, the Greek fire brigade said on Saturday, following an explosion that the mayor said was likely linked to gas infrastructure.

Victims Identified

The explosion killed four Americans, US officials said.

Rescue Operations

Emergency crews in heavy gear and red helmets assisted by rescue dogs, cameras and sensors found the bodies of six people, fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said in a televised briefing. They were looking for an elderly couple who lived in one apartment and four tourists who were staying in another as they removed debris from the building.

Investigation and Response

Cause of the Explosion

The fire brigade's crime investigation unit was also on site to identify the cause of the blast after reports of a gas smell in an area that is home to hotels and short-term rentals.

Missing Tourists

The tourists, two American couples, had been expected to catch a flight from Athens airport at 3 p.m. on Friday but did not show up, a police source said.

Emergency Medical Response

Ambulances stood by on Saturday to take the bodies to the hospital for identification.

Reactions and Aftermath

Official Statements

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of four American citizens in yesterday’s explosion in central Athens," Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece, posted on X.

Extent of Damage

Impact on Surrounding Area

The blast destroyed the building in Plaka, near some of Athens' most visited sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, damaging nearby houses, shops and cars and sending rubble and broken glass as far as three blocks away.

Condition of the Building

The building was reduced to twisted metal, shattered tiles and concrete, strewn with household items and clothing.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Additional reporting by Stelios Misinas, Vania Turner and Valentini Anagnostopoulou; Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Alexander Smith and William Mallard)