Six people have died following a devastating explosion in the historic center of Athens, Greece, on Friday.
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The blast reportedly destroyed a building housing a holiday rental property in the city's Plaka neighborhood, an area popular with international visitors.
The property stood close to several of the Greek capital's best-known tourist attractions, including the Acropolis.
Tourists Die in Athens Building Explosion
Reports claim that four American tourists were among those killed, along with a UK national and a Greek national.
The latter two are believed to have been an elderly couple who lived in the building that exploded.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the explosion was likely linked to gas infrastructure, although authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the blast.
Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said emergency crews wore heavy protective gear as they searched through the debris.
Rescuers used specialist equipment, including cameras and sensors, alongside rescue dogs to search the wreckage. Their efforts ultimately led to the discovery of all six victims.
People had reportedly complained about a smell of gas in the area before the explosion. Numerous hotels and short-term rental properties operate in the popular tourist neighborhood.
The force of the blast destroyed the three-story building and caused significant damage to the surrounding area.
American Tourists Found After Missing Flight
Concern began to grow for the four American tourists, who were traveling as two couples, after they failed to check in for their flight from Athens airport.
They were due to depart at 3:00 p.m. local time on Friday but never arrived for the flight.
The search later confirmed the worst when emergency crews discovered their bodies among the remains of the collapsed building.
On Saturday, ambulances transported the bodies to a nearby hospital for official identification. Authorities have not yet publicly released the names or identities of those who died.
The explosion also damaged nearby homes, shops and cars, sending rubble and shattered glass as far as three blocks away.
Local reports said debris from the blast injured several people in the surrounding streets, although further details about their conditions remain unclear.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said that they "are aware of a suspected explosion in Athens and are in touch with the local authorities."
