Explosion near Athens Acropolis kills six, including four American tourists

Six people were killed after a powerful explosion destroyed a residential building in Athens' historic Plaka district, near the Acropolis, Greek authorities said. Among the dead were four American tourists, believed to be two couples who were staying in the building at the time of the blast. Officials said the tourists had been expected to fly out of Athens later that day but never arrived at the airport. Their identities were supported by documents and belongings found at the scene, according to local reports. Fire crews and rescue teams searched through the rubble on Saturday and recovered six bodies in total, including residents who lived in the building. Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said the blast was likely caused by a gas leak, though investigators are still examining the cause. The explosion also damaged nearby homes, shops, vehicles and a church in the area.