Athens building collapse leaves residents safe, no injuries

A five‑storey residential block in the central Athens neighbourhood of Petralona collapsed on Tuesday while demolition work was underway on an adjacent property. The collapse occurred gradually, allowing three occupants to escape and a fourth, initially reported missing, to be found elsewhere. No injuries were reported.

Emergency services deployed about 30 firefighters, eight fire engines, three ambulances and rescue dogs to the scene. Five individuals linked to the demolition – the owner of the neighbouring building, the contractor, the supervising engineer and two workers – were detained for questioning. The incident prompted an investigation into whether the demolition was carried out in compliance with building regulations.

Authorities confirmed that the building, which housed seven apartments across four residential floors plus a ground floor, is being replaced with a new five‑storey construction after the demolition permit, originally issued in November 2024, was renewed earlier this year.