An explosion near the Acropolis in Athens has caused part of a building to collapse, injuring two people and damaging nearby properties in the popular tourist district of Plaka.
Firefighters rescued two women from an adjacent property on Lysikratous Street and took them to hospital for treatment, while police cordoned off the area following the blast.
The explosion scattered rubble across the road, damaged vehicles and surrounding buildings, and triggered a fire at the scene.
Emergency crews remained in the area to search through the wreckage and inspect neighbouring structures for possible instability.
The nearby First Greek Evangelical Church was also badly damaged, with windows shattered throughout the building.
The cause of the explosion remained under investigation.
Greek media reports suggested that a gas leak may have triggered the blast, although authorities had yet to confirm the cause.
The incident occurred in Plaka, one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods, located at the foot of the Acropolis and known for its historic buildings, narrow streets and high concentration of tourists.
The damage prompted heightened safety concerns as emergency authorities assessed the affected buildings and surrounding area.
