A powerful explosion shook central Athens early Friday morning, causing a two storey building in the historic Plaka district to collapse.
The blast occurred at around 7:35am on Lysikratous Street, sending debris into the surrounding area and causing a major emergency response.
Firefighters and police rushed to the scene as rescue teams searched the collapsed building.
According to initial reports, two women were rescued from the rubble. One of them is reportedly an Italian national.
At least one person was also reported to have suffered minor injuries.
The building was reportedly being used as a short term rental property at the time of the explosion.
The force of the collapse also damaged eight parked vehicles in the area, according to initial information.
Natural gas installation being examined
Initial reports have indicated that the explosion may have been linked to a natural gas installation.
Authorities have not yet established the definitive cause of the blast, and investigations are continuing.
The explosion was heard across much of central Athens, with the incident prompting a significant mobilisation of emergency services in one of the capital’s busiest and most historic areas.
Further information is expected as authorities assess the structural damage and investigate what caused the explosion.
