What happened in central Athens?
ATHENS: Six people were killed after a two-storey residential building collapsed following an explosion in Athens, Greece, with four Americans among the victims, Greek authorities and US officials said.
The blast occurred in Plaka, a popular tourist area near major landmarks including the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The explosion severely damaged nearby houses, shops and vehicles, while debris and broken glass were scattered across surrounding streets.
What caused the deadly explosion?
Rescue teams recovered the bodies of six people from the collapsed building, according to Greece’s fire brigade. Authorities had been searching for an elderly couple who lived in the building and four American tourists staying in another apartment.
The cause of the explosion remained under investigation. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the blast was likely linked to gas infrastructure, while the fire brigade’s crime investigation unit examined the site.
US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle confirmed the deaths of four American citizens and expressed condolences to their families.