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4 American tourists dead after building explosion and collapse in Athens
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- An explosion and building collapse in Athens' Plaka district killed six people, including four Americans, an elderly British man, and his Greek wife, likely caused by a gas leak.
- The American family of four were renting an apartment on the first floor and were preparing to leave for the airport when the blast occurred, demolishing the building and damaging nearby properties.
- Two women were injured in an adjacent building, and authorities are inspecting two nearby buildings for structural safety, with possible demolition being considered.
- Residents had previously warned city officials about gas leak risks and urged emergency response drills, highlighting concerns about safety in the popular tourist area near the Acropolis.
- Rescue operations involved mechanical diggers and thermal imaging, with local services adapting, including moving church services outdoors due to damage.
