Four American Tourists Among Fatalities in Greece Explosion

Tragedy Near the Acropolis

Four American tourists were among six people killed in Greece due to an explosion that destroyed a residential building near the Acropolis, officials reported. The victims, believed to be two couples, were staying in the historic Plaka district, a popular area at the foot of the Acropolis.

Tourists Scheduled for Departure

A police source told Reuters that the tourists were set to catch a flight from Athens airport at 3 p.m. Friday but did not board. Documents and belongings recovered confirmed their U.S. citizenship, according to Greek state broadcaster ERT and other local media outlets.

Official Remarks and Investigation

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle expressed her sorrow on social media, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of four American citizens in yesterday’s explosion in central Athens.”

Emergency crews recovered six bodies from the rubble. The search involved firefighters looking for an elderly couple and the four tourists, as fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis explained in a televised briefing.

Explosion Investigation

The cause of the explosion was suspected to be a major gas leak, according to Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. Authorities were investigating after reports of a gas smell in the vicinity.

The powerful explosion destroyed the building and damaged nearby homes, shops, and vehicles. Reuters described the scene with rubble and shattered glass spread across three blocks. Video footage showed debris scattered across the street and cars crushed under rubble. The building itself was reduced to twisted metal and broken concrete, with clothing and personal items among the wreckage.

Search-and-Rescue Efforts

The rescue operation included 30 firefighters and three dogs, utilizing cameras and sensors to navigate the debris. Two women sustained injuries in an adjacent building on Lysikratous Street, as reported by the fire department. Andreas Martzaklis, a local resident, mentioned that all rescued individuals from the neighboring building were tourists.

Wider Impact

The explosion’s damage extended to a nearby church. The pastor informed the congregation that Sunday services would occur outdoors due to the damage.