A massive emergency response took place in central Athens after a four-story apartment building catastrophically collapsed on Tuesday. The incident occurred at 22 Alkminis Street in the densely populated neighborhood of Petralona, triggering an immediate and critical urban search-and-rescue operation.
The building was composed of seven individual apartments. According to initial reports from the scene, four people were believed to be trapped within the rubble, but all have now been accounted for.
Emergency teams mobilize
The Hellenic Fire Department rushed to the scene shortly after the collapse, establishing a command post to coordinate the dangerous rescue efforts. A specialized force of thirty firefighters and eight fire engines, alongside the elite 1st EMAK (Disaster Management Unit), actively worked through the debris.
The operation turned into a multi-agency mobilization including the Hellenic Police, the National Ambulance Service (EKAV), and the Public Gas Company and HEDNO (the electricity grid operator), who have cut off utility lines to prevent secondary disasters such as gas explosions or electrical fires.
Construction work blamed for collapse of building
While a full investigation will follow, the Fire Brigade has indicated that the collapse was not a spontaneous structural failure. Preliminary findings reveal that the disaster occurred during ongoing construction and excavation work being carried out in an adjacent building.
Authorities have taken five people—four laborers and the owner of the neighboring building site—into custody.
This is a developing story.
Related: Dramatic Rescue in Athens: Delivery Driver Catches Elderly Woman Escaping House Fire
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