Six killed as explosion brings down building in central Athens

Six people have been confirmed dead after an explosion caused a building to collapse in central Athens, Greece.

The blast occurred shortly after 7:30am on Friday in the Plaka district, damaging neighbouring properties and vehicles, according to Euronews.

Four American tourists were staying on the building’s first floor, while a 78-year-old British man and a 77-year-old Greek woman lived on the second floor. Authorities are still formally identifying the bodies.

About 30 firefighters with six vehicles searched the rubble for hours, assisted by three specially trained dogs. Rescue teams also deployed geophones and specialist cameras to locate anyone trapped beneath the debris.

Two women were rescued from a nearby building and taken to hospital, while another person suffered minor injuries from flying debris.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, with fire, police and medical personnel remaining at the scene. The Arson Crimes Division is also investigating the incident.