6 Dead, Including 4 Americans, After Building Collapse in Athens, Greece

ATHENS, Greece — Emergency crews recovered six bodies Saturday from the wreckage of a collapsed two-story home in Athens’ historic Plaka neighborhood, authorities reported. The building came down after an explosion the previous day.

Identification papers and personal belongings found alongside four victims — two men and two women — suggested they were U.S. nationals, according to Greece’s public broadcaster ERT and other local media.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said investigators believed the blast may have followed a substantial gas leak. Nearby structures sustained damage and were cleared as a precaution, he said.

Plaka, one of Athens’ best-known historic districts, sits directly below the Acropolis, Greece’s most popular ancient landmark.

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The fire department said two women were hurt inside a neighboring building on Lysikratous Street. Thirty firefighters, assisted by three search dogs, took part in the rescue effort as authorities began investigating the cause of the explosion.

Footage from the scene showed broken masonry scattered over the roadway, with parked vehicles crushed beneath falling debris. Local resident Andreas Martzaklis said everyone rescued from the adjoining building appeared to be visiting tourists.

A pastor at a nearby church said Sunday’s service would take place outside after the church building was damaged in the incident.