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Explosion Reported Near Athens Railway Offices
Athens, Greece – A powerful explosion occurred in central Athens near the headquarters of Hellenic Train, the Greek national railway operator. The incident, which took place close to a major highway, prompted a swift response from authorities. Preliminary reports indicate no injuries or fatalities resulting from the blast. The Athens explosion is currently under investigation as authorities seek to determine the cause and identify any potential perpetrators of this incident near the Hellenic Train offices.
Details of the Athens Blast
Security camera footage captured the detonation, appearing to originate from a backpack that was reportedly left outside the Hellenic Train building late Friday. Prior to the explosion, Greek media outlets received anonymous warnings about an impending attack. The location of the blast was adjacent to Leoforos Andrea Siggrou, one of Athens’ busiest thoroughfares.
Official Response to the Incident
Christos Staikouras, Greece’s Transport Minister, has publicly denounced the incident as a “criminal act” that endangered lives. He emphasized the severity of the situation, noting the potential risk to citizens and employees in a bustling area of Athens.
Device Details and Aftermath
According to local news sources, including Efsyn newspaper and Zougla website (both recipients of warning calls), the explosive device was concealed within a padlocked backpack. This backpack was reportedly placed on a scooter lacking license plates.
A bomb disposal unit was dispatched to the scene but was unable to neutralize the device before it detonated.
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Minister Staikouras reiterated his condemnation, stating the attack was “absolutely condemnable” and highlighted the risk posed during peak traffic hours in a central Athens location.
Investigation Underway
“Nothing justifies terrorism, no act of violence brings justice,” Staikouras asserted, emphasizing the government’s stance against such actions. He confirmed that investigations are now in the hands of law enforcement and the judicial system.
Hellenic Train Statement
Hellenic Train has confirmed that no staff members or members of the public were harmed in the explosion. The company reported “limited material damage” to their premises. In a public statement, Hellenic Train unequivocally condemned all forms of violence, stating such acts “undermine all progress” and foster a “climate of toxicity”.
Context: Public Anger Following Train Disaster
While the motive behind the explosion remains unconfirmed, it occurs amidst significant public discontent stemming from a major railway tragedy over two years ago.
In February 2023, a catastrophic train collision occurred when a freight train and a passenger train, carrying approximately 350 individuals, were mistakenly directed onto the same railway line. This devastating incident resulted in the deaths of 57 people, predominantly young students, and left dozens more injured.
Past Protests and Public Sentiment
Numerous demonstrations and protests have taken place across Greece since the railway disaster, including events earlier this year marking the second anniversary of the crash. Some of these protests have been marred by clashes, with instances of violence involving demonstrators and law enforcement.
A formal inquiry concluded in February that the train crash was attributable to a combination of human error, inadequate maintenance procedures, and insufficient staffing levels within the railway system.
The date for a trial related to the 2023 train crash is yet to be formally announced.