A devastating explosion claimed the lives of six people, including a British citizen and four American tourists, after flattening a three-story building in the historic heart of Athens, Greece.
According to international media outlets, the blast occurred in the Plaka district, a popular area situated between the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Among the victims were four tourists from the United States, a British national, and a local resident. Authorities suspect an elderly resident also perished alongside the visitors.
Emergency crews deployed excavators, search dogs, and thermal imaging gear to search the site, which was reduced to a heap of shattered debris and scattered personal belongings. By Saturday, September 26, officials confirmed that all six bodies had been recovered.
“We are dealing with an unspeakable tragedy,” Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said in accordance with BBC.
Local police raised the alarm after the four American tourists failed to board their scheduled flight out of Athens International Airport on Friday evening.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed officials are liaising with Greek authorities regarding the incident.
“We are aware of a suspected explosion in Athens and are in touch with the local authorities,” the spokesperson stated.
Investigators suspect a severe gas leak triggered the explosion, which completely destroyed the structure, severely damaged adjacent properties, and sent high-velocity debris flying into surrounding streets.
Several bystanders suffered minor injuries from falling glass and concrete, prompting precautionary evacuations of nearby structures.