Athens explosion: Six dead in blast near Acropolis in Plaka district

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Six dead, including four Americans, in Athens building blast

   A suspected gas explosion destroyed a residential building in Athens' historic Plaka district near the Acropolis, killing six people, including four American tourists. The blast occurred on Friday morning and collapsed a two-story building, with nearby houses, shops, and cars damaged. Authorities have recovered six bodies from the rubble, and at least two people have been rescued.

   Why it matters

   The explosion has raised concerns about safety in tourist areas and the risk of gas leaks in older buildings. The Plaka district is a popular tourist destination, close to major attractions like the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus. Greek authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, with a team from the Arson Crimes Division on the scene.

   What is confirmed

   • Six people were killed in the explosion
   • Four American tourists were among those killed
   • The explosion occurred in the Plaka district near the Acropolis
   • A suspected gas leak caused the explosion
   • At least two people have been rescued

   Still unconfirmed

   • Residents reported smelling gas for weeks before the explosion

   What to watch next

   • Investigation into the cause of the explosion
   • Confirmation of the number of missing people
   • Update on the condition of those rescued
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. The New York Times — 6 People Are Missing After Explosion in Athens Tourist District
   2. BBC — Athens explosion: One dead and five missing in blast near Acropolis in Plaka district
   3. CBS News — 2 American tourists dead after building explosion and collapse in Athens, Greece
   4. Yahoo — Several die after gas-linked explosion collapses a building in Athens
   5. AP News — Rescuers pull 4 unconscious from collapsed building near the Acropolis in Greece
   6. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — 6 dead after explosion collapses building in Athens
   7. www.nbcnews.com — 6 dead, including 4 Americans, in building collapse near the Acropolis in Greece
   8. www.bbc.com — Athens explosion: One dead and five missing in blast near Acropolis in Plaka district
   9. www.yahoo.com — Four American tourists among 6 killed after explosion levels building near Athens’ Acropolis
   10. dailytimes.com.pk — Athens building collapse leaves six dead after explosion
   11. abc45.com — Four Americans among six killed in Athens blast that collapsed building near Acropolis
   12. www.channelnewsasia.com — Six dead after explosion destroys building in Athens
   confidence 95%