Woman’s body recovered from collapsed Athens building
Rescuers recovered the body of a woman from the rubble of a collapsed building in central Athens overnight, as the search continued for five people still missing after a suspected gas explosion.
The woman is believed to have been among four American tourists who had rented a short-term apartment on the first floor of the building on Lysikratous Street in the Plaka district.
The other three Americans remain missing, along with an elderly couple who lived on the second floor, according to state broadcaster ERT. The couple are a 78-year-old British national and a 77-year-old Greek woman.
Earlier, rescuers recovered a handbag containing personal belongings, two passports and the rental agreement for the apartment.
Reports said the American tourists had been scheduled to leave Athens on a Delta Airlines flight at 3:30 p.m. but did not board the flight.
Search continues through the night
Around 30 firefighters, supported by six vehicles, two specialized rescue units and three search-and-rescue dogs, took part in the overnight operation.
Rescue teams periodically halted work to use sound-detection equipment to search for possible survivors beneath the rubble.
Floodlights were installed on a balcony opposite the collapsed building to support the operation during the night.
Gas leak among causes under investigation
Authorities are investigating what caused the blast, with a natural gas leak among the main scenarios being examined.
A natural gas connection was located on the second floor, while witnesses reported smelling gas shortly before the explosion.
The powerful blast struck at around 7:35 a.m., shaking the tourist district of Plaka and causing the building to collapse.
Two women were rescued from a neighboring building and taken to hospital, according to police. A passer-by was also reportedly slightly injured.
Rescue operations and the investigation into the cause of the explosion are continuing.
Source:Kathimerini
