Five missing after explosion fells building in heart of touristic Athens

ATHENS, Sept 25 (Reuters) - ‌Five people were ​missing ​on Friday after an explosion caused a residential building to collapse in a touristic area ‌of central Athens, injuring three people and damaging houses, ⁠shops and cars across a historic neighbourhood.

It was not immediately clear what ‌caused the blast in the two-storey ‌building in Plaka near some of Athens' most popular sites including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.

The building ​where the blast took place was reduced to a mess of twisted metal, broken balconies and hanging ⁠concrete slabs. The explosion also sent rocks and broken glass flying as far ​as three blocks away.

The fire brigade was searching for five people, including an elderly couple that ​lived in the building, an official ‌told Reuters. Part of the building was rented out to tourists, a police official said.

The ⁠area is home to many hotels and short-term rentals. Crowds of tourists stroll its narrow streets lined with cafes and souvenir ⁠shops.

Fire crews and ambulances rushed to the scene early on Friday ​as smoke billowed above the ancient monuments.

"It was like the whole building, the whole block blew off. That's how strong it was," ‌said local resident Andreas Martzaklis.

Authorities said a passer-by was injured. Two women who had ‌been trapped in an adjacent building were rescued and being treated ⁠in hospital.

(Reporting by Louisa ‌Gouliamaki and Stamos ​Prousalis; Additional reporting by Renee Maltezou; Writing by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Jamie Freed and Edward ‌McAllister)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• China adds 55% tariff to Brazil beef imports
• China's weak soybean demand dims prospects for US cargoes after tariff snub
• Oil climbs after Trump denies he is willing to ease sanctions on Iran