A serious event was recorded in Old Athens, where a powerful explosion caused the collapse of a three-story building on Lysikratous Street. So far, 2 victims have been confirmed, while 5 people are missing. Another dead person was found this Saturday morning under the rubble, while earlier, search and rescue teams had pulled out the dead body of an American woman.
Meanwhile, five people continue to be missing. It is about three American citizens who stayed in a rented apartment on the first floor of the building, as well as an elderly couple who lived on the second floor.
Buildings adjacent to the collapsed facility have been evacuated for safety reasons, while crews are working to remove collapsed materials and continue searching the ruins.
About 30 firefighters with six vehicles, among them two special vehicles of the first unit, as well as three dogs trained for search and rescue, participate in the operation. The Municipality of Athens is supporting the operation with heavy equipment for the removal of inerts.
The causes of the explosion still remain unclear. Greek authorities are investigating the possibility of a natural gas leak. The explosion also caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings and parked vehicles.
