Greek authorities seek answers after six killed in Athens apartment block explosion

Greek authorities are investigating the cause of a powerful explosion that destroyed a two-story apartment building in Athens' historic Plaka district, killing six people. The victims, discovered on Saturday, include four American tourists and a British man with his Greek wife. The blast occurred early Friday morning, causing the building to collapse "in a matter of seconds." Emergency teams used specialized equipment to search the rubble for survivors. While a gas leak is a leading theory, officials are considering multiple possibilities. The incident has also intensified debate regarding the regulation of short-term rentals in the popular tourist area.

An explosion destroyed a three-story building in Athens' historic Plaka district, near the Acropolis, resulting in one confirmed death and five people missing. The building reportedly housed a holiday rental. Among the missing are four American tourists, one British national, and a Greek national, though authorities have not yet confirmed these identities. The blast, suspected to be caused by a gas leak, occurred on Saturday morning, with emergency services searching the rubble. The missing tourists were identified when they failed to arrive for their flight at Athens airport. The explosion caused significant damage to the building and neighboring structures, scattering debris.

An explosion on Friday destroyed a two-story residential building in the Plaka tourist area of central Athens, near major historical sites. The blast resulted in two fatalities and four individuals are currently missing. Three people were injured, and nearby properties, including houses, shops, and cars, sustained damage. Rescue efforts are underway, with emergency crews searching for an elderly couple and four tourists who were in the building. The bodies of a man and a young woman were recovered on Saturday from the debris.

Two people have died following a suspicious explosion at a residential address in Sterncourt Road, Frenchay, Bristol, which occurred around 6:30 am on Sunday. Avon and Somerset Police have declared a major incident and are treating the cause as suspicious, though they have ruled out terrorism. Emergency services, including bomb disposal, are on the scene, and a cordon is in place, leading to road closures and the evacuation of nearby residents. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, but are conducting inquiries at a linked property in Speedwell. Families of the deceased have been informed.