A building near the Acropolis in Athens collapsed after an explosion, killing at least six people, Greek emergency crews reported. The incident occurred in the historic Plaka district, a popular tourist area. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the victims from the rubble, with initial reports indicating the explosion caused significant structural damage.

Among the casualties were a British man and his Greek wife, both in their 70s, who were residents of the building. Local media reported that four American tourists, a Greek woman, and a British citizen were among those missing. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities urging patience as the search continues.

Emergency services have been working through the night to clear the site and locate any remaining missing individuals. The area around the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been cordoned off to allow for thorough recovery efforts. No official confirmation has been released on the exact number of casualties or the full list of victims.

Authorities have not yet provided details on the cause of the explosion, though early reports suggest it may have been related to a gas leak or faulty wiring. The incident has raised concerns about safety in older buildings in the historic district.