Six Killed In Athens Blast

Six people, including four American tourists, were killed after an explosion destroyed a residential building in Athens’ historic Plaka district, near the Acropolis, Greek officials said Saturday.

The blast struck the three-storey building at dawn on Friday in the popular tourist neighbourhood, which is known for its accommodation facilities.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak, although authorities were continuing to investigate the incident.

The two other victims were an elderly British man and his Greek wife, who lived on the second floor, Greece’s state broadcaster ERT reported.

The American family had been staying in an apartment on the first floor and were reportedly preparing to travel to the airport for their flight back to the United States later that day, according to Kathimerini.

The New York Times reported that the family consisted of a couple, their son and his girlfriend. Greek authorities had not released their identities, ages or hometowns.

The explosion caused the building to collapse and damaged nearby properties and vehicles.

"We are talking about an incredible disaster," Doukas said, as rescue and recovery teams continued clearing the site.

Mechanical excavators were removing rubble on Saturday, while thermal-imaging cameras were being used during the search operation.

Doukas said two neighbouring buildings had also been left in a dangerous condition. Authorities were inspecting the structures to determine whether they could remain standing or would need to be demolished.

Mathaios Artavanis, the owner of the ground-floor apartment, told Kathimerini that he was away when the explosion occurred. He said he later tried unsuccessfully to contact the British-Greek couple who lived in the building.

Concerns about possible gas leaks and electrical faults in the Plaka neighbourhood had reportedly been raised previously. A residents’ association letter published by Kathimerini said locals had warned city and utility authorities about such risks a year earlier.