At least two dead, four missing after explosion levels building near Athens Acropolis

A powerful explosion has completely destroyed a three-storey building in the Plaka district of Athens, a historic neighbourhood situated on a small road between two of the city's most visited landmarks — the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The building reportedly housed a holiday rental property popular with tourists.

According to AFP, citing local officials, an American man and woman have died, while two additional US tourists remain missing. A Greek national and a UK national who lived in the building are also unaccounted for.

The body of a woman was recovered from the rubble on Saturday morning, and a Greek fire service official later confirmed that the body of a man had also been found. Reuters, citing local police, reported that the missing tourists were only identified as such after they failed to show up for their scheduled flight at Athens airport.

Widespread damage and ongoing search

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas described the incident as "an incredible disaster." The force of the blast brought down the entire three-storey structure, damaged neighbouring buildings, and scattered debris across the surrounding road. Local media reported that people were injured by falling and scattered material in nearby streets, prompting the evacuation of some buildings in the area.

Emergency crews are using excavators and thermal imaging cameras to search the wreckage for possible survivors. A gas leak is suspected as the cause of the explosion, though this has not been formally confirmed. BBC News said it had contacted the UK Foreign Office for further information regarding the missing British national.