An explosion on Friday collapsed a two-storey residential building in Athens’ Plaka district; the Greek fire brigade reported six deaths. Rescuers found six bodies while searching for an elderly couple and four tourists; identification was pending.
Athens Mayor said the blast was likely linked to gas infrastructure. The fire brigade’s crime investigation unit was on site to determine the cause after reports of a gas smell in the area.
The four tourists being sought were two American couples, a police source said. They had been expected to check in before a 3 p.m. Friday flight from Athens airport but did not show up. The blast damaged nearby homes, shops and cars, scattering rubble and glass as far as three blocks away.
