Athens explosion: At least two lifeless in blast close to Acropolis in Plaka district

At least two individuals have died and 4 extra are lacking after an explosion destroyed a constructing housing a vacation rental property within the historic centre of Athens.

The blast occurred within the Plaka space of the Greek capital, a neighbourhood near vacationer websites such because the Acropolis, with native media reporting the constructing housed a vacation rental.

An American man and lady have died, with two extra US vacationers lacking, AFP information company reported citing native officers. A Greek nationwide and UK nationwide who lived within the constructing are additionally stated to be lacking.

Pictures from the scene confirmed emergency service employees looking via rubble, with a gasoline leak the suspected reason for the blast.

The physique of a lady was discovered on Saturday morning, with a Greek fireplace official later telling reporters the physique of a person had additionally been discovered.

The vacationers have been confirmed to be lacking when they didn’t arrive for his or her flight at Athens airport, Reuters information company reported citing native police.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated: “We are speaking about an unbelievable catastrophe.”

The three-storey constructing fully collapsed as a result of drive of the blast, with neighbouring buildings broken and particles scattered throughout the highway.

Local media reported individuals have been injured by materials scattered throughout close by streets and a few buildings wanted to be evacuated.

Excavators and thermal imaging cameras have been used on the scene to seek for survivors.

The explosion occurred on a small highway located between two of Athens’ most visited websites – the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

BBC News has contacted the UK Foreign Office.