A bomb exploded near the offices of Hellenic Train in central Athens, Greece, with no immediate reports of injuries. Greg Almaguer, a tourist from Texas, described how he heard the explosion while eating dinner with his family and immediately realized the power and scare of the blast. The explosion comes amidst public anger over a 2023 railway disaster in which 57 people died and many others were injured due to a collision between two trains that were accidentally put on the same track. A newspaper and news website received an anonymous call prior to the explosion warning of a planted bomb outside the railway company’s offices.
Local media reported that the explosion caused limited damage and no injuries to employees or passersby. Hellenic Train confirmed that the explosion occurred close to its central offices and stated that authorities responded promptly after receiving the warning call. The company assured that it was fully cooperating with authorities to ensure the safety of its staff. Police cordoned off the area near the Hellenic Train building on Syngrou Avenue, conducting investigations and collecting evidence from the scene. Forensics experts in white coveralls were seen examining the area to determine the nature and cause of the explosion.
Criticism of the Greek government’s handling of the 2023 railway collision at Tempe, which resulted in the deaths of 57 people, has been mounting in recent weeks. The incident revealed serious deficiencies in Greece’s railway system, particularly in safety protocols. The lack of political accountability or action against senior officials has sparked mass protests, led by the victims’ relatives, against the conservative government. Demonstrators have accused the authorities of not taking responsibility for the disaster or holding those responsible accountable, leading to clashes between protesters and police during several violent protests.
The railway disaster has exposed systemic failures within Greece’s rail infrastructure, leading to demands for urgent reforms and accountability. Public outrage over the incident has intensified as the second anniversary of the collision approaches, with calls for justice for the victims and their families. The Greek government has faced growing pressure to address the issues within the railway system, ensure the safety of passengers and employees, and bring those responsible for the disaster to justice. The explosion near the Hellenic Train offices has further highlighted the tensions and frustrations surrounding the incident, prompting renewed calls for action and reform within the country’s transportation sector.
As investigations continue into the explosion in central Athens, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and identify any suspects involved. The incident has reignited public debate on the state of security and safety in Greece, particularly within crucial infrastructure sectors such as transportation. The government faces mounting pressure to address the deficiencies in the railway system, improve safety standards, and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The explosion near the Hellenic Train offices serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country’s transportation sector and the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the well-being and security of all citizens.
