An explosion occurred in the heart of Athens, close to the headquarters of Hellenic Train, following anonymous warnings received by local media suggesting a potential attack. CCTV footage revealed the explosion erupted from a backpack that had been left unattended outside the building late Friday night. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and authorities confirmed there were no fatalities.
Transport Minister Christos Staikouras strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a "criminal act" that jeopardized the safety of citizens in a bustling urban area notorious for its heavy traffic, particularly on Leoforos Andrea Siggrou. Media outlets including Efsyn and Zougla reported that the explosive was stored in a padlocked backpack placed on a scooter without license plates.
A bomb disposal unit responded to the scene, but their arrival was unfortunately delayed, resulting in a premature explosion. Staikouras reiterated that "no justification exists for terrorism or violence," emphasizing that such actions serve to undermine public safety and progress.
Hellenic Train confirmed that its employees and surrounding civilians were safe and noted that the blast caused only minor property damage. The company denounced violence in all its forms, urging society to reject the contentious climate that follows these attacks.
Although the origins of the explosion remain uncertain, it takes place amid ongoing public unrest arising from a tragic rail collision in early 2023 that claimed 57 lives, primarily young students. The incident has been a catalyst for numerous protests and demonstrations throughout Greece, with calls for justice persistently echoing in the streets since the crash. An inquiry attributed the disaster to human error, neglect in maintenance, and insufficient staffing, but the exact date for an ensuing trial has yet to be determined.
