Six people killed in building collapse in Athens' Plaka district

On Friday, September 25, 2026, a powerful explosion destroyed a two-story building on Lysicratous Street in the historic Plaka district of Athens, resulting in six fatalities. Search and rescue operations conducted by the fire department and EMAK teams lasted approximately 24 hours under difficult weather conditions, concluding on Saturday when all six victims were recovered. The deceased include four American tourists—two brothers of Albanian origin and their partners, who were staying in a short-term rental unit on the first floor—and an elderly couple, a Greek woman and her British husband, residing on the second floor. It was reported that one of the female victims was in her third month of pregnancy, and another couple was celebrating their honeymoon.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blast, with strong indications pointing toward a natural gas leak in the second-floor apartment, which was the only unit with an independent gas supply. Forensic experts and the Arson Crimes Division are examining evidence, including piping found at the scene, to determine if a malfunction or a leak occurred. Nearby buildings sustained significant damage and were declared unsafe by the Athens Mayor, Haris Doukas. Investigations are ongoing, with families of the victims called to provide DNA samples for official identification.