Athens: two bodies found in the rubble of the collapsed building, four missing

The bodies of a woman and a man of American nationality were found in the rubble of the building that collapsed yesterday in the historic center of Athens, while four people are still missing, as announced by the Greek rescue services.

The two victims found were staying in a rented apartment on the first floor together with another couple, the same source specified during a press conference. Four people are still missing: two other American tourists and an elderly couple, a British man and a Greek woman, who lived on the second floor, the public broadcaster Ert reported.

The explosion due to a gas leak

The small two-storey building collapsed yesterday morning around 07.30. The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, speculated that there may have been an "explosion caused by a very serious leak" which then led to the catastrophe. Thirty firefighters are working on site with six vehicles, including two specialized in rescue operations, as well as three search and rescue dogs, according to Greek news agency Ana. Bulldozers are clearing the rubble and rescuers have deployed thermal cameras on site.

In-depth analysis

Athens, explosion and collapse of a building: three injured