An explosion rocked central Athens on Friday, near the offices of Hellenic Train, after anonymous tips warned local media of an impending attack. CCTV footage revealed that the blast emanated from a backpack, reportedly left behind outside the office block. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities, although the incident has ignited further concern over public safety.
The explosion occurred close to Leoforos Andrea Siggrou, a busy highway during rush hour, prompting swift reactions from authorities. Greece's Transport Minister, Christos Staikouras, denounced the event as a "criminal act" that jeopardized lives, emphasizing the need for accountability. "This is an absolutely condemnable act. Nothing justifies terrorism, and no act of violence brings justice," he stated.
Explosive experts were already on the scene, although they arrived too late to safely neutralize the device, which had been concealed in a padlocked backpack placed on a scooter without plates. Hellenic Train reported "limited material damage," asserting that no employees or innocent bystanders were hurt in the explosion.
The blast comes at a time when public resentment is boiling over due to a devastating train crash that occurred more than two years ago, where a collision between a freight train and a passenger train tragically resulted in 57 deaths, mostly students. Protests demanding justice have erupted sporadically since, some escalating into violent confrontations with law enforcement.
Recent inquiries have identified human error and inadequate staffing as key contributing factors to the train disaster. As discussions about responsibility and preventive measures continue, the authorities have underscored their commitment to justice during a tense period in Greek society. Amid rising tensions and calls for resolution, public sentiment remains fraught following this latest act of violence.
