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British man and Greek wife 'killed in Athens gas leak explosion'
Emergency crews recovered six bodies, including a retired British couple and American nationals, after an explosion believed caused by a gas leak.
On Friday, a building collapse near the Acropolis in Athens killed six people, including a 78-year-old British man and his 77-year-old Greek wife.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated the blast likely resulted from a massive gas leak; the couple resided on the second floor overlooking Hadrian's Gate while American nationals on the first floor also perished.
Emergency crews recovered six bodies from the debris, according to Greek broadcaster ERT, as responders worked extensively around the narrow street site to clear the wreckage.
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," offering assistance to British nationals 24/7.
Deputy Mayor Panagiotis-Paris Harlafti said the operation will now focus on the cause, noting, "It could have been a gas leak, it could have been something else, even an explosive device.