Blast hits Hellenic Train HQ in Athens

An explosion occurred outside the Athens offices of Hellenic Train, with no injuries reported. Police cordoned off the area after two Greek media organizations received warning calls about an explosive device set to detonate within 35 minutes. The building was evacuated after a suspicious bag was spotted outside.

Hotel chef Spyridon Mallios, 50, stated the explosion happened five minutes after his hotel was evacuated. Police officials believe a makeshift bomb was the likely cause, though no group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident comes against the backdrop of lingering public anger over Greece's worst rail disaster in 2023, when a train crash in Tempi killed 57 people, mostly students, and injured dozens more. Many Greeks view the tragedy as symbolic of decades of neglect in the country's railway system and the state's failure to address safety concerns. The disaster sparked widespread protests, intensified by a general lack of trust in institutions.

The explosive device was reportedly concealed in a bag placed on a parked motorcycle near Hellenic Train's headquarters on Syngrou Avenue. The blast caused material damage to the building but fortunately resulted in no casualties.

Hellenic Train, a subsidiary of Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato, condemned the bombing as a criminal act while affirming its commitment to public safety and cooperation with authorities. Greek Transport Minister Christos Dimas also denounced the attack, emphasizing the need for justice and safety reforms in the railway sector.

While no organization has claimed responsibility, Greece has experienced politically motivated attacks during periods of social unrest. This bombing highlights the unresolved grievances stemming from the Tempi disaster and broader challenges facing Greece's transportation infrastructure. The incident has intensified scrutiny of ongoing safety concerns in the country's railway system.