At about 7:30 on Friday morning, September 25, a blast struck a three-storey building in Plaka, causing part of the structure to collapse. Rescue teams are checking whether residents or visitors remain under the rubble.
None of the three injured people was inside the building. Two women were in a nearby property; rescuers took them to hospital. A third person, walking past the site, suffered minor injuries from debris. The shockwave damaged nearby buildings and vehicles, while also affecting local infrastructure. Reuters and the Associated Press reported extensive damage across the densely built historic quarter.
An elderly couple lived on one floor of the building, while three foreign tourists occupied another. All five have been reported missing. Reuters said firefighters were searching for five people in total. The search covers the collapsed sections and the spaces beneath them.
A nearby hotel security camera recorded the explosion. The footage shows the blast in an area known for narrow historic streets and tightly packed buildings.
Authorities have not confirmed what caused the explosion. A gas leak is the basic working theory, and neighbours and passers-by reported a strong smell before the blast. Reports about the suspected leak have cited the mayor and local authorities. The fire service has also been cited. The cause remains unconfirmed as investigators examine the site.
Firefighters and rescue specialists worked among the debris, with investigators also at the scene. A trained EMAK service dog joined the search, while a fire-service investigation team examined whether a gas leak caused the blast.
Plaka sits in the heart of Athens' old town, on the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. The district is widely known as the "Barrio de los Dioses" or "Neighbourhood of the Gods". Damage was visible before officials could measure the full impact, affecting nearby shops and infrastructure, along with buildings and vehicles.
Narrow streets and dense construction make access harder for emergency crews, complicating the search.
As reported by ERT, the rescue operation has become the basic task at the scene amid reports of missing tourists and possible trapped occupants. Heavy damage adds to the challenge. The confirmed injuries occurred outside the building. The greatest uncertainty concerns the people who may still be under the debris.
Three people are confirmed injured, while five others remain unaccounted for in reports from the scene. Rescuers must establish whether anyone is trapped, and investigators must determine whether a gas leak caused the blast. The incident remains a rescue operation and a serious structural emergency in one of Athens' most sensitive historic areas.
