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International-News
Athens Blast Leaves Six Missing, Including Four American Tourists
Rescue teams continue searching through the rubble in the historic Plaka district as authorities investigate a suspected major gas leak
The number of people reported missing after a powerful explosion destroyed a building in Athens’ historic Plaka district has risen to six, including four foreign tourists.
The blast struck a two-storey building at the foot of the Acropolis, prompting a major emergency response and a night-long search operation. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described the incident as an “incredible disaster” and said investigators believe it was likely triggered by a significant gas leak.
“Operations are continuing and all available resources are on site,” Doukas said, stressing that rescue efforts would continue throughout the night.
“These are difficult hours,” he added. “We stop whenever necessary to remain silent so that we can hear any sounds from possible survivors.”
According to Greek public broadcaster ERT, the missing include a British national and a Greek woman who lived on the building’s second floor. Four American tourists are also unaccounted for after staying in a short-term rental apartment on the first floor.
The scale of the collapse has complicated rescue efforts, with emergency crews racing against time to locate possible survivors beneath the debris. Greek news agency ANA reported that 30 firefighters, supported by six vehicles and three search-and-rescue dogs, have been deployed to the site. Thermal imaging cameras are also being used in an effort to detect signs of life.
The incident has reignited concerns over building safety and gas infrastructure in densely populated historic areas, while authorities work to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
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(Photo: © AndKronos)
