World · Malaysia Bureau
Building explosion in Athens kills one, leaves five missing
A powerful blast destroyed a two-storey building in Athens' historic Plaka district, leaving one person confirmed dead and five others unaccounted for. The explosion also injured three people and caused widespread damage to surrounding properties.
LSN Malaysia ·
The explosion occurred in the Plaka neighbourhood, one of Athens' oldest and most popular tourist areas, destroying the structure and leaving rescue teams searching through rubble for missing individuals. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, with firefighters and search-and-rescue personnel combing through the debris.
Beyond the destroyed building, the blast's force caused significant collateral damage to nearby residential properties, commercial shops and parked vehicles in the surrounding area. Three people were treated for injuries sustained in the explosion, though the severity of their conditions was not immediately detailed.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the explosion. Authorities are continuing their search efforts for the five missing individuals as rescue operations remain ongoing in the affected area.
The incident has drawn attention to building safety protocols in Athens' historic districts, where many structures date back several centuries. Plaka, located at the foot of the Acropolis, is home to narrow streets lined with traditional tavernas and shops that attract both locals and international visitors.