Explosion damages offices, stores in Athens

A powerful explosion hit in Greek capital Athens damaging an office block and smashing nearby storefronts as one person reportedly injured.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast or the fire, officials said.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast or the fire, officials said.

One person was injured and several buildings were extensively damaged by an explosion in central Athens that led to a fire early, officials and witnesses said.

One person who suffered burns was taken to hospital, Giorgos Mathiopoulos, the head of workers at the National Centre for Emergency Care, told Skai TV on Wednesday.

The pre-dawn blast occurred 200 metres from the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus on the busy Syngrou Avenue.

Debris littered the street a day after a severe snowstorm swept the capital disrupting traffic and stranding thousands of people. 

At least 18 firefighters used seven engines to battle a blaze at one buildings and have nearly brought it under control, the fire brigade said.

READ MORE: Thousands evacuated in Greece as fires continue to rage

As dawn broke, they forced their way into damaged stores to free several people trapped inside.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast or the fire, officials said.

"We have a fire, there was a blast before that," said a fire brigade commander at the scene

Traffic was halted in the area.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Forest fires swallow the Attica region of Greece

Route 6