Six Bodies, Including Four Americans, Recovered in Athens Collapse

ATHENS, Greece — Rescuers combing through the remains of a collapsed two-story house in Athens’ historic Plaka district recovered six bodies on Saturday, authorities said. The building fell after an explosion the previous day.

Documents and personal belongings found with four of the victims — two men and two women — suggested they were U.S. citizens, Greek state broadcaster ERT and other local media reported.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the Friday blast was believed to have been caused by a major gas leak. The explosion also damaged nearby buildings, which were evacuated, he said.

Plaka is located at the foot of the Acropolis, Greece’s most visited ancient monument.

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Two women suffered injuries in a neighboring building on Lysikratous Street, according to the fire department. The search-and-rescue effort involved 30 firefighters and three dogs, while authorities opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Video from the scene showed debris scattered across the street, with parked cars crushed beneath falling rubble. Andreas Martzaklis, a local resident, said everyone rescued from the adjacent building was a tourist.

A pastor at a nearby church said Sunday’s service would take place outdoors because the building had sustained damage.