Woman Dead, Five Missing After Athens Building Explosion

A woman was recovered dead from the rubble of a collapsed building in Athens' Plaka district early Saturday, nearly 19 hours after a powerful explosion struck the two-story structure on Lysikratous Street. Authorities identified the victim as an American tourist staying in a first-floor short-term rental with three companions.

Rescue operations continue for five missing people: three American tourists from the first-floor apartment and an elderly couple, a 77-year-old British man and a 78-year-old woman born in Athens, who lived on the second floor. Roughly 30 firefighters with six vehicles, including specialized EMAK units and three search dogs, are working at the unstable site.

“It is not an easy process, as essentially most of the building has collapsed and there is also a risk to the remaining buildings nearby.”

Fire officials suspect a gas leak in the second-floor supply line caused the blast around 7:35 a.m. Friday, though a full investigation is delayed until the search concludes. The explosion caused extensive damage to adjacent buildings and parked vehicles, prompting evacuations.

On Friday, firefighters rescued two women from a neighboring building; both were hospitalized. Athens Municipality has deployed heavy machinery to assist with debris removal as crews lift slabs cautiously to avoid further collapse.