British man and Greek wife 'killed in Athens gas leak explosion'

A British man and his Greek wife are believed to be among those killed in a building collapse caused by an explosion from a gas leak in Athens.

According to local reports, the blast originated near the Acropolis in the Greek capital on Friday morning.

Emergency crews recovered six bodies following the explosion in the Plaka tourist district, Greek broadcaster ERT said.

The Briton and his partner, who were reportedly both in their 70s. lived on the second floor of the building overlooking the Hadrian's Gate monument.

American nationals who had been staying in a short-term rental on the first floor were also killed, ERT said.

Earlier on Saturday, three people were pulled out and taken away by ambulances following a search and rescue operation involving 30 firefighters using cameras and sensors and three sniffer dogs.

Two other women were injured from an adjacent building on Lysikratous Street, the fire department said.

An investigation into the cause of the blast is under way, but it is believed to have been caused by a massive gas leak, Athens mayor Haris Doukas said on Friday night.

There were reports of a gas smell in ‌the area, which is home to hotels and short-term rentals.

Neighboring buildings were also damaged and evacuated, he said, along with shops and cars as the force of the blast sent rubble and broken glass ⁠as far as three blocks away.

Video footage and pictures from the scene showed rubble strewn across the street, with parked cars smashed by falling debris.

Those rescued by the fire department from the adjacent building were all tourists, resident Andreas Martzaklis said.

The pastor of a nearby church said that this Sunday's service would be held outdoors because of damage to the church.

The Plaka district lies at the foot of the Acropolis hill, Greece's most visited ancient monument, and the Temple of Zeus.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are aware of a suspected explosion in Athens and are in touch with the local authorities.

"We stand ready to offer assistance to British nationals abroad 24/7."

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