Four American tourists among 6 killed in suspected gas leak blast in Athens

Rescue teams recovered six bodies after a powerful blast brought down a small, two-storey building in Athens’ Plaka district, authorities said. The explosion, which occurred on Friday, caused neighbouring structures to be damaged and prompted evacuations across the narrow historic streets that lie at the foot of the Acropolis. Photographs from the scene were dated September 26, 2026.

Greek state broadcaster ERT and other local media reported that documents and belongings found with four of the victims — two men and two women — indicated they were United States citizens. Local reports identified the other two victims as an elderly British man and a Greek woman who lived on the building’s second floor. Two women were also injured in an adjacent building, the fire department said.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the blast was believed to have been caused by a major gas leak and described the impact as an "unimaginable catastrophe," noting that damage extended along the affected street and the one behind it. Officials said two adjoining buildings were severely damaged and might have to be demolished.

Residents in Plaka had warned authorities about safety risks in the area before the explosion. A citizens' group published a letter noting calls to the municipality and to electricity and gas network managers about potential short circuits or gas leaks a year earlier and urged a security exercise to test emergency response. The group "We Remain Active" said a resident had reported smelling gas for several weeks; a police spokeswoman confirmed residents had made a report, although officials have not yet determined the nature or origin of the substance involved.