At least two killed as explosion destroys building near Acropolis in Athens

At least two people have died after an explosion destroyed a building close to the Acropolis in Athens, according to BBC News.

Local media reports indicate the property included a holiday rental, and that US tourists along with a UK national are among those reported missing following the blast, though full details on the number of people affected have not been confirmed.

Emergency response underway

The explosion's cause has not been officially established in the available reporting. Emergency services are understood to be responding to the site, located in one of Athens' most visited tourist areas given its proximity to the ancient Acropolis.

Authorities have not yet released a detailed statement on the scale of damage, the number of casualties beyond the confirmed deaths, or the status of the search for those reported missing.

Greek officials are expected to provide further updates as emergency response and any investigation into the cause of the explosion continue. The area around the Acropolis draws large numbers of international visitors, raising the likelihood that foreign nationals were present at the time of the incident.