An explosion left three people injured and seriously damaged an office building while shattering nearby storefronts in central Athens early on Wednesday, AP News reports.
Fire department officials said a 77-year-old man was hospitalised with burns. Two others received medical attention for smoke inhalation.
The pre-dawn blast occurred 200 meters from the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus on the busy Syngrou Avenue.
Early investigations by the Hellenic Fire Service have determined that the blast was the result of a gas leak.
The 77-year old injured resident told investigators there was a strong smell of gas and that ignition occurred when he turned a light switch.
Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.
