A mobile phone store was completely destroyed by fire overnight in the Omonia area of central Athens, after flames broke out under unknown circumstances shortly after midnight on Monday.
The fire occurred at the intersection of Menandrou and Sofokleous streets, inside a building complex that also housed clothing stores, a hair salon and storage areas, creating a scene with a large amount of potentially flammable material.
A total of 17 firefighters with five vehicles and a special ladder truck rushed to the scene, with additional support units later joining the operation. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby businesses, while shop owners watched the response in distress.
The owner of the mobile phone store, a Pakistani national, was reportedly left devastated after seeing his business engulfed in flames. Police officers removed him from the area after he suffered shock.
Authorities also carried out checks in surrounding buildings, many of which contain short-term rental apartments, following reports of heavy smoke inside nearby properties.
Tourists and residents were prevented from approaching the area as authorities received information about possible gas cylinders inside the burning commercial complex.
The section of Menandrou and Sofokleous streets remained closed until the early morning hours as firefighters continued their work to fully extinguish the fire.
