Six Dead After Massive Explosion Collapses Building Near Athens’ Acropolis

A devastating explosion in Athens’ historic Plaka district has left six people dead after a two-story residential building collapsed near the Acropolis, turning a popular tourist neighborhood into a scene of destruction and grief. The blast occurred early Friday, September 25, and damaged nearby buildings, vehicles and businesses.

Rescue teams worked for more than 24 hours through twisted metal, concrete and shattered belongings as they searched for people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. By Saturday, authorities confirmed that all six missing people had been found dead.

Among the victims were four American tourists who had been staying in a short-term rental apartment inside the building. They were reportedly traveling as two couples and were expected to leave for Athens International Airport on Friday to catch a flight at around 3 p.m. When they failed to appear, authorities realized they may have been inside the collapsed building when the explosion occurred.

The other two victims were an elderly British man and his Greek wife, who lived on the building’s upper floor. Their deaths added another heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy, as emergency crews continued searching the ruins for hours in hopes of finding survivors.

The explosion was powerful enough to send debris and broken glass across the surrounding streets. Nearby buildings were damaged and evacuated, while emergency crews used rescue dogs, cameras, sensors and heavy machinery during the search operation. At least two women in an adjacent building were also injured.

The exact cause of the blast has not yet been definitively established. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said a major gas leak was considered a likely possibility, while investigators from the fire service’s crime unit continued examining the scene. Reports of a gas smell in the area have also been part of the investigation.

The tragedy has also raised renewed concerns about safety in the densely built Plaka district, where numerous hotels and short-term rental properties operate. Local residents had reportedly warned authorities and utility companies about potential gas leaks and electrical problems in the neighborhood about a year before the explosion.

Source: NY Post