A powerful morning explosion in Athens' historic Plaka district collapsed a two-story residential building near the Acropolis on Friday, leaving three people injured.
The blast also damaged nearby properties and parked vehicles, according to local authorities and press reports.
Emergency crews, including firefighters and ambulances, rushed to the scene as a column of smoke rose over the ancient monuments.
The explosion reduced the structure to twisted steel, destroyed balconies, and sent concrete slabs and broken glass flying up to three blocks away.
Rescue workers pulled two women from an adjacent building that suffered severe damage.
Police confirmed both victims were taken to a hospital and are not in life-threatening condition.
A third person, a passerby, suffered minor injuries from falling debris, according to local authorities and press reports.
Firefighters cordoned off the area and continued searching the rubble to ensure no one else remained trapped.
Police spokeswoman Constantina Dimoglidou said emergency personnel had not yet completed their inspection of the affected perimeter.
"Firefighters have not yet concluded the inspection of the area," Dimoglidou said.
The explosion occurred in a popular tourist quarter filled with narrow streets, cafes, and souvenir shops.
A police source indicated that at least five people were staying in the building, part of which was used for short-term vacation rentals.
It remains unconfirmed whether others were inside during the blast.
Nearby resident Andreas Martzaklis described the sheer force of the detonation as it echoed through the neighborhood.
"It was as if the whole building, the whole block blew up. It was that strong," Martzaklis said.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the blast.
However, preliminary indications reported by local media outlet Skai suggest a potential gas leak triggered the explosion.
