Athens apartment block collapses during nearby excavation; residents escape, five detained
A four-story apartment building in the Petralona district of Athens partially collapsed on Tuesday after nearby excavation work undermined its foundations. All residents escaped safely, but rescue crews with sniffer dogs are still searching the debris for potential victims.
The collapse
A four-story residential building with seven apartments collapsed around noon on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in the Petralona neighborhood, close to the center of Athens and about 1 km from the Acropolis. The collapse occurred in stages, allowing residents to evacuate in time, according to local authorities.
Rescue operations
Firefighters and emergency teams deployed to the site, with 30 firefighters, eight vehicles, a special EMAK unit, and two sniffer dogs combing through the rubble. Hospitals in the area were placed on alert. Live footage showed debris of balconies and rescuers working among the wreckage.
Firefighters are on site to rescue people possibly trapped.
Initially, media reports cited four missing residents. Three were quickly located after phone contact with their families, and the fourth person was confirmed not to have been on the premises. Rescue teams continue searching for any other possible victims.
Cause and arrests
Construction work on an adjacent plot is suspected of causing the collapse. Andreas Grammatikoyannis, deputy mayor for civil protection, told public broadcaster ERT that ongoing excavation may have weakened the building's foundations. The collapse unfolded gradually, which gave residents time to flee.
Five people have been detained in connection with the construction work, including the contractor, the works engineer, and the owner of the neighboring building. They are being questioned by police.
