A fire broke out Sunday afternoon (28.06.2026) at a functioning hotel on Omonia Square in central Athens, triggering an immediate emergency response. The eight-storey building saw several guests become trapped on balconies as flames and thick smoke spread rapidly from the ground floor.
Rapid Response and Evacuation
Twenty-five firefighters responded with seven vehicles—including a specialized aerial ladder and platform truck—to contain the blaze, which was extinguished within minutes. Due to heavy smoke rising to upper floors, authorities carried out a precautionary evacuation of the entire building.
Injuries and Medical Response
Three people were injured. A 41-year-old foreign national sustained burns to his hands and feet during an explosion linked to an electric scooter being charged in the lobby—believed to be the fire’s origin. He was transported to the Red Cross Hospital. Two other guests reported respiratory distress and received oxygen on-site; EKAB (National Emergency Medical Service) teams treated all affected individuals on the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors.
Transport and Traffic Impact
Vehicle traffic was suspended along 3rd September Street between Omonia Square and Verandzerou Street, as well as between Patission Street and 3rd September Street, while operations were underway.