The death toll from the powerful explosion and partial collapse of a three-storey building in Plaka, central Athens, has risen to six, according to ERTnews.
Rescue crews recovered the latest bodies from the rubble of the building on Lysikratous Street, as operations continued at the site.
The two bodies most recently located are believed to be among the four American nationals who were staying in a short-term rental apartment on the first floor, although their identities have not yet been formally confirmed.
Victims being identified
The first body recovered from the rubble is believed to potentially belong to the elderly Greek woman who lived on the second floor, while the second is believed to be that of her British husband.
Four US citizens, two men and two women, had been staying in the first-floor apartment.
Rescue crews, including EMAK personnel and heavy machinery operators, have continued removing debris and searching the remaining sections of the building.
After materials were removed from the two floors, rescuers were left with an area of approximately 20 square metres, where rubble stood between two and 2.5 metres high.
The operation has been proceeding with particular caution because most of the building has collapsed and there is a risk of further instability.
Cause of explosion under investigation
Authorities are meanwhile investigating what caused the explosion.
Among the scenarios being examined is the possible existence of a propane installation in the elderly couple’s apartment, as well as a potential fault or leak in the natural gas network, either in the building itself or in a neighbouring property.
Neither scenario has been confirmed.
Investigators are also assessing reports from residents who said they smelled gas in the area before the explosion.
Neighbouring building badly damaged
A neighbouring building also sustained serious damage.
Two women, an elderly resident and her caregiver, were rescued from the property and suffered minor injuries.
A passer-by was also slightly injured by debris.
The injured were taken to Gennimatas Hospital.
Blast damages homes, vehicles and businesses
The force of the explosion caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles and businesses, both within the immediate block and on surrounding streets.
Preliminary inspections indicate that neighbouring buildings are not currently considered safe for habitation and will require repairs.
Further structural inspections are expected after emergency operations at the site have been completed.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the precise circumstances that led to the explosion.
Source: ERTnews
