Six dead in Athens building explosion near Acropolis

A sudden explosion on a narrow street in Athens’ historic Plaka district has claimed six lives, among them a British tourist and four Americans. The blast tore a three‑storey building, used as a holiday rental, into rubble and damaged neighbouring properties.

Investigators point to a suspected gas leak as the cause. Emergency services worked around the clock to clear the debris, and all bodies were recovered by Saturday afternoon. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas called the incident “an incredible disaster.”

The victims included four American holidaymakers, a UK national, and a Greek couple who lived in the same building. The tourists were reported missing after they failed to appear for their flight from Athens airport the following day.

Local police noted that residents were injured by scattered rubble, and some nearby buildings were evacuated. Excavators and thermal imaging cameras were deployed to search for survivors, though the search was ultimately unsuccessful.

The blast occurred on a small road situated between the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, two of Athens’ most visited landmarks. The UK Foreign Office acknowledged the incident and stated that it was in contact with local authorities.