Six people were found dead under the rubble of a building in Athens after a powerful explosion

Six people were found dead on Saturday, September 26, beneath the rubble of a two-story building that collapsed on Friday morning in the historic Plaka district, in central Athens, following a powerful explosion. The victims were four American tourists and a couple consisting of a Briton and a Greek woman.

The building collapsed at around 7:30 a.m. local time. The four people from the United States were staying in a seasonally rented apartment on the first floor and were due to leave for the United States, but they did not show up for their flight. The couple lived on the second floor.

Approximately 30 firefighters, supported by six emergency vehicles and three search dogs, took part in operations that continued until Saturday. The bodies of all six missing people were recovered.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas indicated that a major natural gas leak was a possible cause, but the origin of the explosion has not been officially established. Residents had previously reported a smell of gas, and a year earlier warnings had been issued regarding risks to the networks in the area.

Two women were rescued from a neighboring building and hospitalized, while another person was slightly injured. Nearby buildings were severely damaged, and authorities are checking whether they can still be inhabited.