A powerful explosion shook central Athens early Friday morning, causing a two storey building in the historic Plaka district to collapse.<\/p>\n The blast occurred at around 7:35am on Lysikratous Street, sending debris into the surrounding area and causing a major emergency response.<\/p>\n Firefighters and police rushed to the scene as rescue teams searched the collapsed building.<\/p>\n According to initial reports, two women were rescued from the rubble. One of them is reportedly an Italian national.<\/p>\n At least one person was also reported to have suffered minor injuries.<\/p>\n The building was reportedly being used as a short term rental property at the time of the explosion.<\/p>\n The force of the collapse also damaged eight parked vehicles in the area, according to initial information.<\/p>\n Initial reports have indicated that the explosion may have been linked to a natural gas installation.<\/p>\n Authorities have not yet established the definitive cause of the blast, and investigations are continuing.<\/p>\n The explosion was heard across much of central Athens, with the incident prompting a significant mobilisation of emergency services in one of the capital\u2019s busiest and most historic areas.<\/p>\n Further information is expected as authorities assess the structural damage and investigate what caused the explosion.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240145-768x1024-1.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\nNatural gas installation being examined<\/h3>\n