In brief
Six persons, including a British national, lost their lives when a three‑storey holiday rental building collapsed in Athens’ historic Plaka district. The blast, believed to have been triggered by a gas leak, sent shards of concrete across neighbouring streets. Those killed included four Americans, a British tourist and an elderly Greek couple who lived in the building. Authorities have deployed emergency crews, thermal scanners and excavators to clear rubble and prevent further injuries.
The blast on Friday tore a three‑storey building into rubble in Greece’s capital, killing six and injuring several others. The structure housed a holiday rental that had been a popular spot for visitors to the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Among the dead were four American holidaymakers, a British national, and an elderly Greek couple who lived in the same building. Reports from emergency teams suggest a gas leak was the likely trigger, with the explosion sending debris across adjacent streets.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described the incident as an “incredible disaster,” and the Greek police confirmed that all bodies had been recovered by Saturday afternoon. Local media noted that several nearby buildings required evacuation while authorities used excavators, thermal imaging cameras and search teams to clear survivors.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement saying it was in contact with local authorities and was monitoring the situation closely. The tragedy has left bereaved families and the international tourism community in shock.
