Athens Blast Kills 6 in Plaka Building Collapse as Gas Leak Probe Intensifies
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 26
Athens Blast Kills 6 in Plaka Building Collapse as Gas Leak Probe Intensifies
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 26
Summary
Six bodies — three women and three men — were recovered Saturday from a two-story building that collapsed after a powerful Friday morning explosion in Athens' Plaka tourist district.
30 firefighters, three dogs, thermal cameras and geophones searched through the night, but the six people initially listed as missing were all found dead.
A gas leak is a leading possibility after residents reported smelling gas shortly before the 7:30 a.m. blast, though arson investigators and Greece's gas distributor are still examining the scene.
Four guests staying on the first floor were due to fly to the United States on Friday but never boarded, police said; a 77-year-old Briton and his 78-year-old Greek wife were also missing after the collapse.
The explosion blew out nearby windows, showered cars with debris and injured at least 3 people with non-serious wounds in one of Athens' busiest tourist areas near the Acropolis.