Sunita Somvanshi
A building explosion in central Athens has killed six people, including a British man and his Greek wife, along with four American tourists. The blast struck the Plaka district Thursday morning, sending rubble into the streets near the ancient Acropolis. Authorities are investigating a suspected gas leak.
The explosion ripped through an apartment building as residents and visitors moved through one of Europe’s most visited neighborhoods. The blast forced rescuers to search through rubble for hours. The death toll grew as workers recovered bodies from the wreckage. Initial reports estimated two deaths, but that number rose to six by early evening.
The British man and his Greek wife were among the dead. The four Americans were tourists staying nearby. Other people suffered injuries and were taken to local hospitals. Some remain in serious condition.
The explosion will likely affect tourism and daily life in Plaka for weeks. The incident raises new calls for stricter safety inspections of aging apartment buildings across Athens.
INVESTIGATION FOCUSES ON GAS INFRASTRUCTURE
Plaka’s narrow streets and old buildings have long posed challenges for city inspectors. Gas lines run through many structures built decades ago, and maintenance records are often incomplete. Authorities say preliminary findings point to a gas leak in the building’s lower level.
Utility company officials arrived Thursday to test gas lines in neighboring buildings. Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated as crews conducted pressure tests on all gas connections within a block radius.
What should residents do if they smell gas? Call the emergency number immediately and leave the area. Do not use phones, light switches, or anything that might spark once you have left the building.
The Athens city government has pledged to accelerate safety inspections of all buildings in the Plaka district. Families of the deceased have begun arriving in Athens to identify loved ones and arrange transportation home.
GreekReporter first reported the explosion details. Greece seismic activity remains a concern for historic buildings.
