ATHENS – Two dead and four missing after building explosion

At least two people have lost their lives and four others are reported missing after a powerful explosion destroyed a building in the historic center of Athens, in the Plaka district, as the BBC reports.

The explosion occurred in a neighborhood near well-known tourist landmarks, including the Acropolis.

According to local media, the building was also used for tourist accommodation.

The AFP news agency, citing local officials, reported that the two victims are an American man and woman.

Meanwhile, two other American tourists, as well as a Greek national and a British national who lived in the building, are reported missing.

Emergency teams continue searching through the building’s rubble. Authorities suspect the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak.

The body of a woman was found on Saturday morning, while later a Greek fire service official also confirmed the recovery of a man’s body.

According to Reuters, the American tourists were confirmed missing after they failed to show up at Athens airport for their flight.

Greek authorities have launched investigations to determine the exact causes of the explosion, while the search-and-rescue operation continues in the affected area.