Gas explosion destroys Athens building, kills six people

Six people have died after a gas explosion destroyed a residential building in central Athens on Friday. The blast brought down the three-storey building in the Plaka district, a historic area near the Acropolis. Among the dead were a British man, aged 78, and his Greek wife, aged 77, who lived on the second floor. Four American tourists were also killed. They had been staying in a short-term rental on the floor below. Athens mayor Haris Doukas said a large gas leak most likely caused the explosion. The building was close to the ancient Hadrian's Gate monument. Thirty firefighters and three search dogs took part in the rescue operation. Two women in a neighbouring building were injured in the blast.