An explosion at an old two-storey building in Athens caused part of the property to collapse on Friday morning, with two women rescued from a neighbouring building and another person slightly injured.
The Athens building explosion occurred at around 07:35 on Lysikratous Street in the Plaka district. Initial information indicated that it may have been caused by a natural gas leak.
Two women rescued from neighbouring building
According to the Fire Service, two women were rescued from an adjacent building during search and rescue operations.
Both women were taken by EKAB ambulance to Georgios Gennimatas General Hospital.
Another person suffered minor injuries from debris following the explosion, while neighbouring buildings and parked vehicles were also damaged.
Fire brought quickly under control
The Athens building explosion also sparked a small fire, which was quickly brought under control by firefighters.
A total of 24 firefighters with six vehicles were deployed to the scene, along with two specialised rescue vehicles from the 1st EMAK disaster response unit.
The Municipality of Athens was also mobilised to provide assistance with heavy machinery.
Investigation into cause under way
The Athens Fire Service’s specialist arson investigation unit was called in to investigate the cause of the incident.
Police cordoned off the area around the damaged building, while traffic in the vicinity was suspended.
Συναγερμός στο κέντρο της Αθήνας από έκρηξη στην Πλάκα – Κατέρρευσε παλιό κτίριο https://t.co/RoZHKPbhEw
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