Explosion destroys building near Acropolis in Athens, one dead — Deutsche Welle

A powerful explosion destroyed a building in the Plaka district in central Athens, Greece, near the Acropolis. Rescuers recovered the body of a young woman from beneath the rubble, while three other people were injured. The blast also damaged shops and cars near the scene, Deutsche Welle reports.

Searches under the rubble

Several people, who are believed to be foreign nationals, are still considered missing. Rescuers are using service dogs and thermal imaging cameras to search for possible survivors.

According to the Greek news agency ANA, dozens of firefighters and six vehicles, including two specialized rescue vehicles, were involved in the search operation. Excavators were also deployed to clear the rubble.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the damage affected the entire street and the street behind the destroyed building. He called the consequences of the explosion an incredible catastrophe.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated

Authorities suspect that a gas leak may have caused the explosion, which occurred on Friday. However, the sequence of events has not yet been established.

According to ANA, the woman killed was an American tourist who was renting accommodation with her husband and another couple. Local media also reported that those missing may include a British national, a Greek woman who lived on the second floor, and four American tourists who were on the first floor.

The nationalities of these people have not been officially confirmed. According to a police spokesperson, the group of tourists was due to check in for a flight from Athens early on Friday afternoon.