Six Killed, Including Four American Tourists, in Explosion Near Athens’ Acropolis

Four American tourists were among six people killed in Greece after a powerful explosion destroyed a residential building near Athens’ iconic Acropolis, officials said.

The four Americans—two men and two women believed to have been traveling as two couples—were staying in the two-story building in Plaka, the historic neighborhood below the Acropolis and near several of Athens’ most popular tourist attractions. The blast struck Friday.

The couples were scheduled to take a 3 p.m. flight from Athens airport Friday, but failed to arrive, a police source told Reuters. Documents and personal belongings found with the victims suggested they were U.S. citizens, Greek state broadcaster ERT and other local media reported.

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle expressed sorrow over the deaths in a post on X.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of four American citizens in yesterday’s explosion in central Athens,” Guilfoyle wrote.

Emergency responders recovered six bodies from the rubble of the collapsed building Saturday, authorities said.

Firefighters had been searching for an elderly couple who lived in one apartment and four tourists who were staying in another. Crews removed the debris carefully and methodically, fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said during a televised briefing.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the explosion was believed to have resulted from a major gas leak. Authorities launched an investigation after residents reported smelling gas in the area.

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The blast obliterated the building and damaged nearby homes, businesses and vehicles. Rubble and shattered glass were scattered as far as three blocks away, Reuters reported.

Video from the scene showed debris covering the street, with parked cars crushed under falling masonry. The building had been reduced to twisted metal, broken tiles and concrete, while clothing and household possessions lay scattered through the wreckage.

The search-and-rescue effort included 30 firefighters and three dogs. Crews also deployed cameras and sensors to examine the debris for signs of victims.

Two women were injured inside a neighboring building on Lysikratous Street, the fire department said. Andreas Martzaklis, a resident, told The Associated Press that everyone rescued from the adjacent building was a tourist.

A nearby church was also damaged. Its pastor said Sunday services would take place outdoors because the building was no longer safe to use.