**A suspicious explosion in Athens has raised concerns, occurring after anonymous warnings were received, but fortunately, no casualties have been reported.**
**Explosion Rocks Central Athens After Anonymous Warning**
**Explosion Rocks Central Athens After Anonymous Warning**
**No reported injuries following blast near Hellenic Train offices**
In a shocking incident, an explosion occurred in central Athens, near the headquarters of the Hellenic Train railway company, creating chaos but thankfully no injuries were reported. Security cameras captured the moment when the explosion erupted from a backpack that had been left unattended outside the office building late on Friday.
According to local authorities, anonymous calls warning of the impending explosion were received by Greek media earlier. The explosion took place close to Leoforos Andrea Siggrou, a busy highway, at a time when the area was particularly crowded.
Transport Minister Christos Staikouras condemned the act as "criminal," emphasizing the risk it posed to the lives of both employees and passersby at such a high-traffic location. “This act was absolutely condemnable, and nothing can justify terrorism,” he stated in a strong rebuke.
Local reports indicate that the explosive device was concealed within a locked backpack placed on a motorcycle without proper registration plates. Unfortunately, a police bomb squad arrived too late to neutralize the threat, resulting in the explosion instead.
Hellenic Train reassured the public that no staff or innocent pedestrians were harmed during the blast, although the explosion caused superficial damage to the surrounding area. The company firmly denounced all forms of violence that contribute to an atmosphere of hostility, stating that such acts undermine societal progress.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, it comes at a time of heightened tensions in Greece following a devastating railway disaster two years ago that resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals, mostly young students.
The nation has been in turmoil since that catastrophe, with many citizens participating in protests demanding accountability and reforms in the railway sector. The February 2023 crash, which involved two trains colliding on the same track, was blamed on human error and poor operational practices. As calls for justice continue, the government has yet to announce a trial date related to the incident.
Many Greeks remain vigilant, with a mixture of fear and anger regarding public safety measures, prompting renewed discussions on the critical need for systemic improvements within the transport sector.
According to local authorities, anonymous calls warning of the impending explosion were received by Greek media earlier. The explosion took place close to Leoforos Andrea Siggrou, a busy highway, at a time when the area was particularly crowded.
Transport Minister Christos Staikouras condemned the act as "criminal," emphasizing the risk it posed to the lives of both employees and passersby at such a high-traffic location. “This act was absolutely condemnable, and nothing can justify terrorism,” he stated in a strong rebuke.
Local reports indicate that the explosive device was concealed within a locked backpack placed on a motorcycle without proper registration plates. Unfortunately, a police bomb squad arrived too late to neutralize the threat, resulting in the explosion instead.
Hellenic Train reassured the public that no staff or innocent pedestrians were harmed during the blast, although the explosion caused superficial damage to the surrounding area. The company firmly denounced all forms of violence that contribute to an atmosphere of hostility, stating that such acts undermine societal progress.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, it comes at a time of heightened tensions in Greece following a devastating railway disaster two years ago that resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals, mostly young students.
The nation has been in turmoil since that catastrophe, with many citizens participating in protests demanding accountability and reforms in the railway sector. The February 2023 crash, which involved two trains colliding on the same track, was blamed on human error and poor operational practices. As calls for justice continue, the government has yet to announce a trial date related to the incident.
Many Greeks remain vigilant, with a mixture of fear and anger regarding public safety measures, prompting renewed discussions on the critical need for systemic improvements within the transport sector.
