ATHENS, Greece – Early Friday morning a massive gas leak caused a two‑story building in the Plaka neighborhood, at the foot of the Acropolis, to collapse in a violent blast. The incident sent debris crashing onto the street, damaging nearby structures and prompting the evacuation of surrounding blocks.
Rescue effort pulls four unconscious victims from the rubble
Rescue crews, including thirty firefighters and three trained search dogs, combed through the wreckage throughout Friday and into Saturday. They located four individuals who were unconscious at the time of rescue. An ambulance transported an unconscious woman and a man to a local hospital, while two other women from a neighboring building on Lysikratous Street sustained injuries.
Mayor Haris Doukas confirmed that the gas leak was the likely cause of the explosion and said that several adjacent buildings suffered damage and were evacuated as a precaution. The fire department reported that the fourth unconscious person was found within the collapsed structure itself.
Authorities investigate and community responds
City officials have launched an investigation into the source of the gas leak and the safety of the surrounding historic area. Residents and tourists alike were shaken by the event; local resident Andreas Martzaklis noted that the rescued individuals were all visitors to the city.
Video from the scene shows cars crushed by falling masonry and streets littered with rubble. The pastor of a nearby church announced that Sunday services would be held outdoors due to damage sustained by the church building.
Impact on the historic district
Plaka, one of Athens’ most visited neighborhoods, sits directly beneath the Acropolis, Greece’s most iconic ancient monument. The collapse underscores the importance of maintaining modern infrastructure in historic zones, especially where gas lines run close to centuries‑old structures.
City officials have urged residents and business owners to remain vigilant and report any signs of gas leaks or structural concerns. The ongoing investigation will determine whether additional safety measures are needed to protect both locals and the millions of tourists who flock to the area each year.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
