Emergency crews in Athens were scrambling on Friday after a building in the historic Plaka neighbourhood collapsed following a powerful explosion. The blast, which was heard across much of the Greek capital, sent debris into the street and left residents and passers-by in a state of shock.
The fire brigade confirmed that two women were pulled from the wreckage and transported to hospital. Their condition has not been officially disclosed, but local media reported at least one injury. The operation to ensure no one else was trapped continued into the afternoon, with firefighters carefully sifting through the rubble.
Greek media have speculated that a gas leak may have triggered the blast, but an official investigation is still underway. The explosion occurred on Lysikratous Street, a narrow road lined with neoclassical buildings and close to the Acropolis, in one of the city's most visited districts. Plaka draws millions of tourists each year, and the area was busy at the time of the incident.
Widespread damage and a large emergency response
The force of the explosion damaged several adjacent buildings, according to the Fire Service. Firefighters worked to extinguish a blaze that broke out after the collapse, while engineers assessed the structural integrity of nearby properties to determine whether further collapses were possible. Police cordoned off the street and diverted traffic, while residents were evacuated as a precaution.
The scene was described as chaotic, with emergency vehicles and onlookers crowding the narrow streets. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to allow rescue and investigation teams to operate unimpeded.
This incident comes at a time when Athens is grappling with broader challenges around housing and urban safety. The city's ageing building stock, much of it constructed decades ago, has become a point of political debate, particularly as migration and housing pressures intensify. A recent political debate in Athens has highlighted these tensions, though the connection to Friday's blast remains unclear.
The Greek capital has also seen other incidents that underscore the fragility of its infrastructure and the pressures of mass tourism. Earlier this year, a fatal sunbed dispute on an Athens beach drew attention to the social strains caused by overtourism. While unrelated to the explosion, these events reflect a city under stress.
As the investigation continues, officials are expected to provide more details about the cause of the blast and the condition of the two rescued women. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and restoring a sense of normalcy to one of Europe's most beloved historic quarters.
