Six people have died after a two-storey building collapsed following an explosion in Athens’ historic Plaka district, with four of the victims believed to be American citizens.
The blast struck a property on Lysikratous Street shortly before 8am on Friday, 25 September. Firefighters recovered the final two bodies from the rubble on Saturday, bringing the confirmed death toll to six. ([fireservice.gr](https://www.fireservice.gr/el_GR/-/ektakte-enemerose-gia-ten-katarreuse-tou-kteriou-epi-tes-odou-lysikratous-sten-plaka-apo-ton-dieuthynte-strategikou-schediasmou-kai-epikoinonias-tou-a))
Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that the four Americans — two men and two women — had been staying in a short-term rental on the first floor. An elderly Greek woman and her British husband were understood to have been living on the floor above.
Two women were rescued from a neighbouring building and taken to hospital with minor injuries. A passer-by was also lightly hurt by flying debris, according to local reports. ([ertnews.gr](https://www.ertnews.gr/roi-idiseon/ekriksi-stin-plaka-entopistikan-oi-dyo-teleytaioi-soroi-synolika-eksi-oi-nekroi-apo-tin-katarreysi-tou-ktiriou/))
The explosion caused extensive damage to nearby homes, businesses and parked cars, while adjacent buildings were evacuated. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said two neighbouring properties were considered unsafe, with damage also reported to a building across the road.
More than 30 firefighters, specialist rescue teams and three search dogs took part in the operation. Crews used listening devices and cameras to search the collapsed structure, while heavy machinery was brought in by the Municipality of Athens to remove the debris. ([fireservice.gr](https://www.fireservice.gr/el_GR/-/ektakte-enemerose-gia-ten-katarreuse-tou-kteriou-epi-tes-odou-lysikratous-sten-plaka-apo-ton-dieuthynte-strategikou-schediasmou-kai-epikoinonias-tou-a))
The Fire Service said its arson and explosion investigation unit was examining the sequence of events, including the explosion, a subsequent fire and the collapse. The inquiry is being conducted under the direction of the Athens prosecutor’s office, in co-operation with police and other agencies. ([fireservice.gr](https://www.fireservice.gr/el_GR/-/ektakte-enemerose-gia-ten-katarreuse-tou-kteriou-epi-tes-odou-lysikratous-sten-plaka-apo-ton-dieuthynte-strategikou-schediasmou-kai-epikoinonias-tou-a))
A major gas leak is currently considered the most likely explanation, although the cause has not been established. Investigators are also examining whether gas equipment or a fault in a nearby supply system may have been involved.
Fire Service spokesman Vassilios Vathrakogiannis said no report of a gas smell had been made to the service before the explosion. Mr Doukas also said there had been no official complaint to the municipality. ([fireservice.gr](https://www.fireservice.gr/el_GR/-/ektakte-enemerose-gia-ten-katarreuse-tou-kteriou-epi-tes-odou-lysikratous-sten-plaka-apo-ton-dieuthynte-strategikou-schediasmou-kai-epikoinonias-tou-a))
Plaka, one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods, lies beneath the Acropolis and is heavily visited by tourists. The blast damaged windows, shutters and vehicles across the surrounding streets, and access to part of the area remained restricted while inspections continued.
