At least two dead as explosion destroys building in central Athens

Emergency crews in central Athens are continuing to search the rubble of a building that collapsed after an explosion in the Plaka district, with two people confirmed dead and four others still missing. The blast struck a residential property in one of the Greek capital's busiest tourist areas, close to the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Three people were injured, and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution while rescue teams worked at the scene.

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Officials said the building was reduced to twisted metal, shattered tiles and concrete slabs after the explosion. Fire brigade crews, supported by rescue dogs, were looking for an elderly couple who lived in one apartment and four tourists staying in another. A police spokeswoman said the operation was difficult because much of the structure had collapsed and there was a risk to adjacent buildings.

The dead were found as crews removed debris from the site, and the force of the blast also damaged nearby houses, shops and cars. The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed. Athens mayor Haris Doukas said it was likely linked to gas infrastructure, but authorities have not yet given a final explanation.

The incident has drawn attention because it happened in Plaka, an area where homes, short-term rentals and tourist traffic are closely mixed. That combination has made the collapse both a rescue operation and a wider public safety concern for the city. The location adds to the significance of the incident because Plaka sits beside some of Athens' most visited archaeological sites.

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The area is a major part of the city's tourism economy, and damage there can affect both residents and visitors. The presence of tourists among the missing has also increased the urgency of the search, with police saying the visitors were expected to leave Athens on the day of the blast. The collapse has also renewed attention on safety in dense historic neighbourhoods, where older buildings can be vulnerable to infrastructure failures.

In central Athens, gas systems, residential properties and short-term accommodation often sit close together, which can complicate emergency response when something goes wrong. The evacuation of nearby buildings shows how quickly a single blast can affect a wider area in a crowded urban centre. What remains unclear is whether anyone else is trapped in the debris and what exactly caused the explosion.

Rescue work is continuing, and investigators are expected to examine the site once the immediate search phase is complete. The next developments will depend on whether more victims are found and whether officials confirm the suspected link to gas infrastructure.

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