Greece: Emergency crews responding to earlier explosion at Hotel Tsamis in Kastoria, Feb. 4

Event

Emergency crews are conducting salvage operations in Kastoria the morning of Feb. 4 following an explosion around 0130 that destroyed the Hotel Tsamis. The hotel was reportedly empty at the time of the explosion, and no casualties have yet been reported. The explosion spread debris over a large area; salvage operations have closed the Grevenon Kastorias National Road (15). The cause of the blast is currently unclear; police investigations are ongoing.

Emergency crews will likely remain on the scene through Feb. 4 as workers continue clearing debris and searching for possible casualties. Localized transport disruptions are likely through the evening of Feb. 4.

Advice

Exercise caution near the impact site. Heed the directives of the authorities. Plan for ground transport disruptions.