ATHENS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and several others injured after a fire engulfed a residential building in downtown Athens early Saturday, Greece's national broadcaster ERT reported.

The blaze broke out at around 4:30 a.m. local time (0130 GMT) in a three-story apartment building in a densely populated area northwest of the city center and quickly spread, causing severe structural damage.

A man believed to be in his 40s was found dead at the scene, while a woman rescued from the building later died in the hospital from severe burns.

At least two other women, including an 80-year-old, were hospitalized with respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation. Residents of the building were evacuated to safety.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been caused by a gas leak. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. ■