Five People Missing After Explosion Destroys Building Near Athens’ Acropolis

ATHENS, Greece — September 25, 2026 — Five people were reported missing after a powerful explosion caused a two-story residential building to collapse in Athens’ historic Plaka district, near the Acropolis, on Friday morning. Three people were injured in the incident, including two women who were rescued from a neighboring building.

Explosion Rocks Historic District

The explosion occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Lysicratous Street, in one of Athens’ most heavily visited areas. The blast destroyed the old building and damaged nearby homes, shops, vehicles and a church. Broken glass and debris were scattered across the surrounding streets.

Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene and closed off the area while firefighters searched through the collapsed structure. Rescue teams used a sniffer dog as they looked for anyone who might have been trapped beneath the rubble.

Five People Unaccounted For

Authorities said an elderly couple was believed to live on the second floor of the building. Three tourists were also believed to have been staying in a short-term rental apartment on the lower floor. Officials had not confirmed whether any of the five people were inside when the explosion occurred.

Local resident Andreas Martzaklis told Reuters that an elderly couple lived upstairs but said he did not know whether they had managed to leave before the building collapsed.

Two Women Rescued

Two women who were trapped inside an adjacent building were rescued by firefighters and taken to hospital. A passer-by was also injured by debris from the blast. Reports described the injuries as non-life-threatening.

Firefighters continued working at the site for hours after the explosion as they searched the ruins. Thermal equipment and rescue dogs were used during the operation.

Cause Under Investigation

The cause of the explosion had not been officially established. Local media reported that a gas leak was suspected, while the gas network operator said it was investigating what caused the blast.

The explosion occurred close to major tourist landmarks including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. The historic Plaka neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, hotels, restaurants and short-term rental properties.

Authorities continued the search for the missing people as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; eKathimerini; Sky News