6 killed in blast that reduced Athens building to rubble, gas leak suspected

Six people were killed after a two-storey residential building collapsed following an explosion in Plaka, a popular tourist area of central Athens, the Greek fire brigade said on Saturday.

Emergency crews using rescue dogs, cameras and sensors recovered the bodies of six people from the debris, fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. Rescuers had been searching for an elderly couple who lived in one apartment and four tourists staying in another.

The fire brigade's crime investigation unit was also at the scene to determine the cause of the explosion. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the blast was likely linked to gas infrastructure, while authorities were investigating reports of a gas smell in the area.

The four tourists were two American couples who were expected to check in at the property before catching a 3 p.m. flight from Athens airport on Friday, but failed to arrive, according to a police source.

Ambulances remained at the scene on Saturday to transport the recovered bodies to a hospital for identification.

The explosion on Friday destroyed the building in Plaka, close to major tourist landmarks including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Nearby homes, shops and vehicles were damaged, while rubble and broken glass were scattered as far as three blocks from the site.

The building was left reduced to twisted metal, shattered tiles and concrete, with household belongings and clothing scattered across the wreckage.- Ends