Tourists Missing After Terrifying Explosion Levels Building in Athens

A massive explosion ripped through a building in the heart of Athens on Friday morning, sending debris into the street and leaving rescue crews searching the ruins for residents and tourists who may have been inside.

The blast struck around 7:30 a.m. on Lysikratous Street in Plaka, a historic neighborhood near the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It tore apart the building, damaged nearby homes and cars, and sent hotel guests running for safety. Security footage published by Greek public broadcaster ERT captures the deafening boom and windows breaking as people flee. (www.ertnews.gr)

The most frightening question remained unanswered Friday: Was anyone trapped under the wreckage?

An elderly couple lived on the upper floor, while tourists were believed to be staying in a rental apartment below. Early reports said five people had not been located. Later Greek reporting, citing updated information from the fire service, said the rental may have housed four American tourists, potentially bringing the number authorities were trying to locate to six. Officials had not confirmed that any of them were inside when the explosion happened. (www.ertnews.gr)

That distinction is crucial. Initial reports identified the tourists as a British family of four, but the newer account said that appeared to be a mix-up involving an earlier reservation. The guests’ identities were still being checked. (www.iefimerida.gr)

Two women were pulled from a neighboring building and taken to a hospital, while a passerby suffered minor injuries, according to ERT. Rescue teams searched the collapsed property with a trained dog as crews worked around unstable walls and falling debris. Another section of the structure reportedly gave way during the response. (www.ertnews.gr)

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas called the search a complex operation. Investigators are examining whether a gas leak caused the explosion, but no official finding has been made. Gas and electricity were shut off in the area while crews checked the damaged site. (www.ertnews.gr)

As darkness approached in Athens, rescuers were still facing a painstaking search through the ruins—and families were waiting for answers about the people who had been staying there.