A powerful explosion partially collapsed a two-storey building in central Athens on Friday, leaving three people injured and prompting a large-scale rescue operation in the Greek capital's historic Plaka district.

The blast occurred on Lysicratous Street, opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus, causing extensive damage to the building and several neighbouring properties. Rescue teams, including firefighters and a search dog unit, were deployed to search the rubble and ensure no one remained trapped.

According to Greek state broadcaster ERT, emergency crews rescued two women from a neighbouring building that sustained heavy damage, while a passer-by suffered minor injuries in the explosion. Officials said all three injured people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities sealed off the area as engineers assessed the structural stability of nearby buildings and investigators examined the scene.

According to ERT and initial findings from the investigation, the explosion is believed to have been caused by a natural gas leak, although the exact cause has not yet been officially confirmed.

The explosion also triggered the partial collapse of the building, while neighbouring structures suffered significant damage. Rescue operations and technical inspections remained under way as authorities continued their investigation. (ILKHA)