Firefighters tackle blazing fire after huge blast destroys buildings in Athens.

FIREFIGHTERS tackle blazing fire after HUGE blast destroys buildings in Athens, Greece.

A large explosion in a building in central Athens early on Wednesday (January 26) blew out windows, caused structural damage to nearby buildings and damaged cars.

One building resident was slightly injured, police said, on the mezzanine floor, where it is believed the blast originated.

The blast sparked a fire in the six floor building. Some 24 fire-fighters with nine vehicles tackled the blaze.

The building is on a major traffic artery of the city, filled with high-rise apartments and commercial buildings.

"At the time of the explosion I was exactly across from the building, it was strong, really strong," said taxi driver Christos Chalkias as he showed the cracked windows and windshield, as well as dents in his taxi, caused by the explosion.

"The explosion sent us two lanes to the right...I know the (taxi) was destroyed because it filled with glass...(I was more) afraid for the woman (passenger) that I had (inside)."

It is not clear what caused the blast. Police are looking into a possible gas leak.

The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

Read The Sun: www.thesun.co.uk

Like The Sun on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesun/

Follow The Sun on Twitter: twitter.com/TheSun

Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: www.snapchat.com/discover/The_Sun/1633225139

#Greece #Fire