Brit pensioner and Greek wife among dead after building collapses in Athens
The affected area is home to some of Athens' most popular sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus
A British man and his Greek wife are believed to be among at least six people killed in a building collapse near the Acropolis in Athens.
Listen to this article
Emergency crews recovered the bodies following an explosion in the Plaka tourist district on Friday morning, Greek broadcaster ERT said.
The Briton and his partner were reportedly both in their 70s and living on the second floor of the building overlooking the Hadrian’s Gate monument.
American nationals who had been staying in a short-term rental on the first floor were also killed, ERT said.
Read more: President Trump rejects latest Iran peace deal and hints at unleashing new strikes
Read more: Students strike across Germany in protest against military service
Images show responders working around the building that had been reduced to rubble.
]The blast is believed to have been caused by a massive gas leak, Athens mayor Haris Doukas said on Friday night.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are aware of a suspected explosion in Athens and are in touch with the local authorities.“We stand ready to offer assistance to British nationals abroad 24/7."
The blast destroyed houses, shops and cars across the historic Plaka tourist district, sending rocks and broken glass as far as three blocks away.
The area is home to some of Athens' most popular sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, but some local media reports have said a gas leak was suspected.
Fire crews and ambulances rushed to the scene as smoke billowed above the ancient monuments.
24 firefighters were deployed to the scene after the blast "ripped off the facade of the mid-20th-century house, broke windows and damaged cars near the collapsed building".
Police cordoned off the area as rescuers searched for others who might be trapped, the fire department said.
The building where the blast took place was reduced to a mess of twisted metal, broken balconies and hanging concrete slabs.
"It was like the whole building, the whole block blew off. That's how strong it was," said local resident Andreas Martzaklis.
The area is also home to many hotels and short-term rentals, and crowds of tourists stroll its narrow streets lined with cafes and souvenir shops.