An explosion destroys a two-storey building in central Athens near the Acropolis, leaving one person dead and five people missing. Local reporting says smoke rises from the wreckage after the blast, which occurred on Friday, and that several people are unaccounted for.
The collapse happens in the Plaka area, a tourist district near major sites including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. The building’s use is described as residential, with one report stating it includes a holiday rental. Officials say three people are injured, and damage extends beyond the structure, affecting nearby houses, shops and cars.
Outlets also differ on details about the missing persons. BBC News reports that among those missing are US tourists and a UK national, based on local media accounts. Other coverage focuses more generally on the death toll, missing count and the extent of damage, citing Greek fire brigade statements.
Emergency responders continue efforts to locate those missing as investigations into the cause of the explosion proceed.
