Six killed after explosion destroys building in central Athens

A building collapse following an explosion in central Athens has killed six people, including four US tourists, after a two-storey residential property in the historic Plaka district was destroyed. Greek authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, with a gas leak among the main scenarios being examined.

The explosion occurred on the morning of 25 September on Lysikratous Street, close to the Acropolis and other major tourist sites. The blast was followed by a fire and the partial collapse of the building, scattering rubble and broken glass across the surrounding area and damaging nearby houses, shops and vehicles.

Rescue operation

Emergency crews worked through the night and into Saturday to search the collapsed structure. Thirty firefighters, supported by six vehicles, including two specialist rescue vehicles from Greece's 1st EMAK disaster response unit, took part in the operation. Three search-and-rescue dogs, cameras and acoustic detection equipment were also used to locate people beneath the debris.

Six people were eventually recovered without signs of life. The victims included four American tourists who had been staying in a short-term rental apartment and an elderly couple who lived on the second floor of the building. Two women were also rescued from a neighbouring building and taken to hospital after the explosion.

The four American tourists had been expected to leave Athens on 25 September but failed to arrive at the airport for their scheduled flight, prompting authorities to search the ruins for them. Their deaths were subsequently confirmed by US officials.

Gas leak among possible causes

Investigators have not yet established the exact cause of the explosion. Authorities said reports of a gas smell had emerged in the area, while the building had a natural-gas connection. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the blast was likely connected to gas infrastructure, but the fire brigade's investigation is examining the sequence of events leading to the explosion, fire and collapse.

The Hellenic Fire Service said there had been no prior report to the service of a gas smell in the area before the explosion. Specialist investigators from the fire service's crime investigation unit were deployed to examine the scene and collect evidence under the supervision of the Athens prosecutor's office.

The incident has highlighted the particular risks posed by ageing buildings in densely built historic districts, where residential properties increasingly coexist with short-term rentals and tourism-related activity. Plaka is one of the most heavily visited parts of Athens, with the damaged building located close to the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The blast was powerful enough to send debris several blocks from the site.

A densely used historic district

The collapse occurred in an area where residential, commercial and tourism uses overlap within a tightly packed urban environment. The presence of short-term accommodation meant that people staying temporarily in the building were among those affected, while nearby residents and businesses were exposed to the blast and falling debris.