Four-story apartment building collapses in Athens’ Petralona district, owner and contractors detained over suspicions about work near the building

A serious incident caused panic in Athens after a four-story apartment building collapsed in the Petralona area.

After the incident, authorities feared for several hours that people might have been trapped under the rubble. Սակայն, after intensive checks, it was confirmed that there are no missing persons and no victims.

The search-and-rescue operation began immediately after the building collapsed. Firefighters, EMAK special forces and trained search-and-rescue dogs were deployed to determine whether anyone was under the debris. At first, four people were reported missing, but all of them were later found. The last woman, whose whereabouts had raised concern, was located in the city of Nafplio.

Initial investigations show that the collapse occurred during excavation work on a neighboring plot, where a new apartment building is being constructed. Authorities are now verifying whether technical rules and safety measures were followed during the work.

Police have taken five people in for questioning, including the owners of the plot, the contractor and three engineers. By order of the prosecutor, criminal proceedings have been launched against them for violating construction regulations and safety measures.

At the same time, experts are also inspecting the neighboring building, as a large crack has been found in its foundations. Residents of that apartment building have been temporarily evacuated until the inspection of the building’s structural stability is completed.

The Municipality of Athens said it will provide temporary shelter and financial support for the families affected by the collapse, while the investigation into the causes of the accident is still ongoing.