Rescue teams continued their search on Saturday for four individuals missing after a blast caused a building collapse in the Plaka district of Athens, near the Acropolis. The explosion occurred early Friday morning and left at least two people unconscious amid the rubble, according to Greek authorities.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas attributed the blast to a significant gas leak. The incident caused substantial damage to the two-story structure and neighboring buildings, which were promptly evacuated as a safety precaution. Firefighters recovered an unconscious woman from the debris on Saturday morning, and a second unconscious person was also found in the collapsed building.

Additionally, two women sustained injuries at an adjacent building on Lysikratous Street. Fire department officials reported that the injured individuals rescued from the nearby structure were tourists.

The search and rescue operation involved approximately 30 firefighters assisted by three search dogs. Video footage from the scene showed extensive debris scattered across the street, including damaged parked vehicles crushed by falling masonry. The affected area sits in the historic part of Athens, a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Greece’s most visited ancient monument, the Acropolis.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, focusing on the suspected gas leak that reportedly led to the blast. Meanwhile, emergency responders remain engaged in efforts to locate the remaining missing persons and assess the full extent of the damage.