A powerful explosion in the center of Athens: building destroyed, injured

The powerful explosion occurred shortly after 7.30 at the intersection of Lysikratous and Amalias streets, near Hadrian's Gate, in the heart of Athens and the historical center of the city, visited by millions of tourists.

The explosion was so strong that neighboring houses, shops and cars were damaged in the historic district of the Greek capital, near the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.

It is unclear what caused the explosion in the two-story building. Police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou told ERT television that the fire brigade had not yet completed its operations at the scene.

The building where the explosion occurred is completely destroyed: the photos show detached balconies and hanging concrete slabs.

It was as if the entire building blew up. The explosion was so powerful, said one of the witnesses, quoted by Reuters.

The three injured people were a passer-by and two women who were trapped in a neighboring building after the explosion.

In the area where the explosion occurred, there are many hotels and apartments for rent, and crowds of tourists walk the narrow streets lined with cafes and souvenir shops.

Preliminary findings show that at least five people lived in the building, part of which was rented to tourists.