Partial building collapse in Plaka after suspected gas explosion

Part of a two-storey building collapsed after a powerful blast in Plaka, the historic neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis in central Athens. Authorities say the incident followed a suspected natural gas leak.

Preliminary reports indicate two people were injured. One passerby sustained minor wounds from flying debris, and firefighters removed two women who had been trapped in a neighbouring building.

Damage and response

The explosion was heard across much of central Athens. Parked cars, shop windows and nearby storefronts were damaged by the blast and falling fragments. The fire service also reported that the incident sparked a small fire, which crews extinguished.

Officials said the collapsed structure had been used for short-term rental. Emergency teams secured the scene as investigators worked to determine the exact cause of the blast.

Local emergency services continued checks of adjacent buildings for further hazards and structural damage, while traffic and access in parts of Plaka were restricted during the response.

Photo: press material from the event