Three Injured in Powerful Explosion and Building Collapse in Historic Athens
Blast in the Plaka district damages surrounding homes, shops, and vehicles near major landmarks.
Quick Look
Three people sustained injuries after a powerful explosion triggered a residential building collapse in Athens' Plaka district on Friday, scattering debris across surrounding streets.
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Why It Matters
An explosion occurred in a two-storey residential building in the Plaka district of Athens, causing a collapse and injuring three people.
Three people have been injured after a residential building collapsed following a powerful explosion in the bustling historic centre of Athens on Friday, damaging surrounding homes, shops and vehicles.
The cause of the blast inside the two-storey property in the Plaka district — located close to famous landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus — is currently unknown. Debris and shattered glass were hurled up to three blocks away.
Police spokeswoman Constantina Dimoglidou informed public broadcaster ERT that fire service inspectors were still assessing the scene.
Emergency responders and ambulances swarmed the area as smoke gathered over the ancient monuments. The structure itself was reduced to a wreckage of buckled metal, destroyed balconies and suspended concrete slabs.
"It was like the whole building, the whole block blew off. That's how strong it was," said local resident Andreas Martzaklis.
Open Questions
- What caused the explosion?
- What is the condition of the injured?
