Athens building collapses after blast, leaving one dead and five missing

A two-story residential building collapsed following an explosion in the Plaka district in central Athens, the capital of Greece. One woman died in the incident, while the search for five people continues.

A representative of the Greek Fire Service said the explosion occurred on Friday. The area is near major tourist attractions, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Search and rescue operation

Rescuers, including search dogs, are working to locate an elderly couple and four tourists staying in another apartment under the rubble. Rescuers found the body of a young woman on Saturday morning while clearing the debris.

Three people were injured in the explosion. Nearby homes, shops and vehicles were also damaged. Bent metal structures, broken balconies and concrete slabs left hanging remain at the site of the collapsed building.

A police representative said the tourists’ nationalities had not yet been established. They were scheduled to check out of the apartment on Friday and travel to Athens airport for a flight, but they were not there at the time.

Cause of explosion under investigation

The cause of the incident has not yet been determined. Authorities are examining the possibility that the explosion was linked to the gas infrastructure in the area, which has many hotels and short-term rental apartments.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said: “Something has gone seriously wrong.”