Greece.. 6 Dead Including 4 Americans in Athens Explosion

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The fire department in Greece announced yesterday, Saturday, that 6 people died after the collapse of a two-story residential building in a tourist area in central Athens, following an explosion that the mayor of the capital suggested might be related to the gas network.

American officials stated that the explosion resulted in the deaths of four Americans.

Vasilis Vathrakoyanis, spokesperson for the fire department, reported that emergency teams, supported by heavy equipment, rescue dogs, cameras, and sensors, found the bodies of the six deceased individuals.

The teams were searching for an elderly couple residing in one of the apartments, along with 4 tourists who were staying in another apartment.

The criminal investigation unit of the fire department moved to the site to determine the cause of the explosion, after receiving reports of a gas smell in the area that includes hotels and short-term rental units.

A police source said that the four tourists, a couple of Americans, were scheduled to leave their accommodation to catch a flight from Athens Airport at 3 PM on Friday, but they did not show up.

Ambulances remained on standby on Saturday to transport the bodies to the hospital for identification.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, wrote on X: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of four American citizens in the explosion that occurred yesterday in central Athens."

The explosion, which occurred on Friday, destroyed a building in the Plaka neighborhood, near some of Athens' most famous landmarks, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, causing damage to homes, shops, and cars, with debris and shattered glass scattered up to three city blocks.

The building has turned into a pile of twisted metal, shattered tiles, and concrete blocks, scattered among household items and clothing.