An explosion in central Athens has occurred, sparking significant concern among residents, though fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Explosion Rocks Central Athens Following Anonymous Warning
Explosion Rocks Central Athens Following Anonymous Warning
A blast near the Hellenic Train offices raises alarm but causes no casualties.
The incident unfolded late on Friday evening when a backpack, allegedly containing an explosive device, detonated outside the offices of Greek railway company Hellenic Train. According to local authorities, the device was reportedly placed on a scooter without license plates and was initially concealed in a padlocked backpack. This act followed anonymous warnings made to several media outlets in Greece.
CCTV footage captured the moment of the blast, which took place near the busy Leoforos Andrea Siggrou highway, a crucial artery in Athens. Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras condemned the explosion as a "criminal act," emphasizing the danger posed to innocent lives in a crowded area. "This act endangered the lives of employees and passers-by," Staikouras stated, asserting that nothing justifies such acts of violence and that authorities must now bring the perpetrators to justice.
While forensic teams have been working at the site to gather evidence, Hellenic Train reassured the public that there were no injuries among their employees or citizens in the vicinity. The explosion caused minor damage, and the company denounced all violence that disrupts public safety and trust.
This attack surfaces against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Greece following a tragic railway disaster in February 2023, which claimed the lives of 57 people, mostly students, due to a catastrophic error in train coordination. The public's outrage over this incident led to numerous protests across the nation, some of which turned violent, highlighting the ongoing unrest surrounding railway safety in Greece.
As investigations continue into this latest explosion, the government faces increasing pressure to ensure public safety amid the nation's ongoing discontent.
CCTV footage captured the moment of the blast, which took place near the busy Leoforos Andrea Siggrou highway, a crucial artery in Athens. Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras condemned the explosion as a "criminal act," emphasizing the danger posed to innocent lives in a crowded area. "This act endangered the lives of employees and passers-by," Staikouras stated, asserting that nothing justifies such acts of violence and that authorities must now bring the perpetrators to justice.
While forensic teams have been working at the site to gather evidence, Hellenic Train reassured the public that there were no injuries among their employees or citizens in the vicinity. The explosion caused minor damage, and the company denounced all violence that disrupts public safety and trust.
This attack surfaces against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Greece following a tragic railway disaster in February 2023, which claimed the lives of 57 people, mostly students, due to a catastrophic error in train coordination. The public's outrage over this incident led to numerous protests across the nation, some of which turned violent, highlighting the ongoing unrest surrounding railway safety in Greece.
As investigations continue into this latest explosion, the government faces increasing pressure to ensure public safety amid the nation's ongoing discontent.
