Six dead following building collapse in Athens after explosion

A search and rescue operation in the Plaka district of Athens concluded on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after emergency services recovered the bodies of all six individuals missing since a powerful explosion caused a building to collapse on Friday morning. The victims included two couples staying on the first floor—Ian Alexander Kirkpatrick and Florida Hoxha, who were on their honeymoon, along with Erisa Cani and Florin Hoxha—and an elderly British couple residing on the second floor.

Authorities, including the Fire Department and EMAK rescue teams, conducted a complex operation under hazardous conditions due to the structural instability of the site. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas noted that two adjacent buildings sustained severe damage and have been deemed dangerous. Investigations are ongoing, with experts from the Fire Service’s Arson Investigation Division and other officials examining the scene. While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, preliminary reports suggest a potential gas leak or failure in the building's gas installation, which is currently the focus of the forensic inquiry.

Euthymios Lekkas, head of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, stated that the building's vulnerability contributed to the tragedy. Further inspections are planned to ensure the safety of the surrounding area as investigations into the source of the blast continue.