At least six people died in Athens on Friday morning following an explosion that caused a building collapse in the Plaka district, a popular tourist area near the Acropolis and other historic landmarks. Emergency responders recovered the bodies from the rubble of the damaged building, which also caused damage to nearby homes, shops, and vehicles.

Among the deceased were a British man aged 78 and his Greek wife, 77, who lived on the second floor of the apartment building overlooking Hadrian’s Gate. An American family of four, who had been staying in a short-term rental on the building’s first floor, was also reported to have perished in the incident. Authorities have attributed the explosion to a suspected gas leak, although investigations are ongoing.

The blast generated debris and shattered glass that scattered as far as three blocks from the site, raising safety concerns and prompting emergency crews to secure the area. Local officials and rescue teams worked through the day to assess the extent of the damage and confirm casualties.

The affected building stood in a densely populated part of Athens that draws many visitors due to its proximity to cultural and historical sites such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Authorities have yet to release a final report on the cause of the explosion or detailed information about possible injuries beyond the fatalities.

Residents and business owners in the area were evacuated or advised to stay clear of the site as emergency personnel continued their work. Further updates are expected as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blast proceed.