At least one person has died and five remain missing following an explosion that destroyed a building in the historic centre of Athens. The blast took place in the Plaka area, a neighbourhood situated near tourist sites such as the Acropolis.
Local media reports indicate the building housed a holiday rental. Four American tourists, one British national, and a Greek national are said to be among those involved, though authorities have not confirmed this. The missing tourists were confirmed after they did not arrive for their flight at Athens airport, according to Reuters news agency citing local police.
The body of a woman was discovered on Saturday morning, and the search for others is ongoing. Emergency services are using excavators and thermal imaging cameras at the scene. A gas leak is suspected as the cause of the explosion.