Gas Leak Triggers Fatal Explosion in Athens

Six people, including a British tourist, lost their lives when a building housing a holiday‑rent flat collapsed after a suspected gas leak in the Plaka district, close to the Acropolis. The three‑storey structure, located on a narrow road between the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, was reduced to rubble, leaving emergency workers to sift through debris.

The victims comprised four Americans, a British national and an elderly Greek couple who lived in the same building. All bodies were recovered by Saturday afternoon. Mayor Haris Doukas called the incident an “incredible disaster.”

Investigators say the blast was likely caused by a gas leak, and thermal imaging cameras and excavators are being used to locate any potential survivors. The explosion disrupted traffic between two of Greece’s most visited sites, prompting the evacuation of neighbouring buildings.

The Greek foreign ministry is monitoring the situation and has requested confirmation from local authorities. Authorities are advising tourists to avoid the area until further notice.