Emergency crews in Athens launched a large-scale search operation after a four-storey apartment building collapsed in the Petralona district on Tuesday. Firefighters, rescue teams and specially trained search dogs were deployed to comb through the debris amid concerns that people could be trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities later confirmed that four individuals initially believed to be trapped had been located safely. However, rescue operations continued as emergency personnel searched the site to ensure no other victims remained under the collapsed structure. Additional response teams stayed on standby throughout the operation.

The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. Officials said construction work was underway at a neighbouring building at the time of the incident, though it remains unclear whether it was linked to the collapse. An investigation has been launched as authorities work to determine what caused the building to give way.

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