Μake us preferred on Google Emergency crews launched a major search operation Thursday after the roof and part of the walls of an abandoned house collapsed in the Akadimia Platonos neighborhood of Athens.
The collapse occurred at around 11:20 a.m. at a vacant, single-story house on Alamanas Street, prompting concerns that someone might be trapped beneath the debris.
The neighborhood is densely populated and contains several old, abandoned buildings, raising concerns among residents about the safety of nearby properties.
Collapse of an old building in the Akadimia Platonos neighborhood of Athens. InTime Sports
Firefighters and rescue teams search the rubble
A total of 17 firefighters and five fire engines were dispatched to the scene, along with a specialized rescue vehicle from Greece’s First Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) and a trained search-and-rescue dog.
Police officers and an ambulance from the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB) also arrived, while the Municipality of Athens mobilized personnel to assist with debris removal.
Although no injuries or trapped individuals had been reported as of Thursday afternoon, rescue teams continued searching the building’s interior as a precaution.
Collapse of an old building in the Akadimia Platonos neighborhood of Athens. Thursday, October 29, 2026. (Danai Davlopoulou / EUROKINISSI)
The circumstances and cause of the collapse are being investigated by the Athens Fire Service’s investigative unit responsible for fire-related incidents.
Residents warn of dangers posed by abandoned buildings
The collapse renewed concerns among local residents about the condition of old, neglected properties in the area. Residents said some buildings had been abandoned for decades and could become dangerous during periods of bad weather.
Collapse of an old building in the Akadimia Platonos neighborhood of Athens. Thursday, October 29, 2026. (Danai Davlopoulou / EUROKINISSI)
“Whenever it rains, pieces fall off,” neighbors said of the collapsed house, describing it as old, unoccupied and poorly maintained for many years. They added that complaints had previously been made because unidentified people were entering and leaving the property, causing concern among residents.
Neighbors also state that other buildings in the area had been left abandoned for as long as 40 years, with little attention paid to their safety.
