Blast in Athens' Plaka district collapses building near Acropolis

A powerful explosion tore through Athens' Plaka district on Friday morning, collapsing an old two-story building in the historic quarter at the foot of the Acropolis and injuring at least two people, authorities said.

The fire department said the blast struck the building in Plaka, the landmark tourist area that sits below Greece's most visited ancient monument. Police sealed off the surrounding streets, and specialist rescue crews with a sniffer dog were sent in to determine whether anyone remained trapped.

At least two injured people had to be rescued from a neighbouring building, according to the fire department. Local media reported that as many as five people might have been inside the collapsed structure when it gave way, though there was no confirmation of that figure. Several hours after the explosion, the fire department said the search and rescue operation was still under way.

Footage from the scene showed rubble scattered across the street and parked cars crushed by falling debris. Firefighters sprayed water on the damaged building, while workers from a natural gas company dug at the site. A damaged car was later towed away.

The cause of the blast was not immediately established. Local media said a gas leak was suspected.

Nearby, the First Greek Evangelical Church suffered extensive damage, and its pastor said this Sunday's service would be held outdoors. "From the bottom to the top, there is no window that has not been broken," said Giotis Kantartzis, the church's pastor, describing the scene inside as heartbreaking. He added that the congregation's main relief was that everyone who had been inside made it out safely.

With the Acropolis visible above the cordoned zone, the explosion brought emergency crews into one of the capital's busiest heritage and tourism areas.