A bomb exploded outside the offices of Hellenic Train in Athens on Friday night, causing material damage but no injuries. The incident occurred in a busy district, coinciding with heightened public anger over a recent railway disaster that claimed 57 lives. Authorities had received prior warnings about the explosion, allowing for a swift evacuation of the area.
Key Takeaways
- A bomb exploded near Hellenic Train’s offices in Athens, causing no injuries.
- The explosion follows public outrage over a deadly train crash in 2023.
- A new extremist group claimed responsibility for the bombing, linking it to broader social issues.
- Police are investigating the incident, focusing on security footage and communication leads.
Details Of The Incident
The explosion took place on Syngrou Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Athens, where Hellenic Train’s headquarters are located. Local media reported that two media organizations received warning calls approximately 40 minutes before the blast, alerting them to the presence of a bomb. This timely warning allowed police to cordon off the area and evacuate nearby buildings, preventing any injuries.
Hellenic Train confirmed that the explosion occurred very close to its central offices and expressed condemnation of all forms of violence. The police quickly identified a suspicious bag that contained the explosive device, which was later confirmed to be a makeshift bomb.
Context Of The Attack
This bombing comes amid ongoing public discontent following Greece’s worst railway disaster in February 2023, where a collision between a freight train and a passenger train resulted in 57 fatalities, primarily among students. The tragedy exposed significant deficiencies in the country’s railway safety systems and has led to widespread protests against the government, particularly on the second anniversary of the disaster.
The new extremist group, calling itself the Revolutionary Class Struggle, claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement, they framed their actions as part of an armed struggle against the state, dedicating the attack to the Palestinian people and criticizing the government’s handling of the railway system. They also connected the bombing to the broader issues of workplace safety and state negligence.
Government Response
In the wake of the explosion, police have intensified their investigation, analyzing security camera footage and tracking communications related to the warning calls. The government has faced mounting criticism for its response to the 2023 train crash, with calls for accountability directed at senior officials. Recent parliamentary debates have highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the disaster and its aftermath.
Hellenic Train, which operates under the ownership of Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato, has reiterated its commitment to safety and condemned the violence that disrupts societal progress. The company is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure the safety of its employees and the public.
Historical Context
Greece has a long history of politically motivated violence, with various extremist groups emerging over the decades. While many of the more prominent groups from the 1980s and 1990s have been dismantled, new factions have surfaced, often resorting to small-scale bombings that typically cause property damage rather than casualties. The recent bombing reflects a troubling trend of increasing domestic extremism, as authorities warn of a new generation of militants.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions within Greek society, particularly regarding issues of safety, accountability, and the public’s trust in government institutions.
Sources
- Witness recounts scene after bomb planted near Greece’s main railway company’s office explodes, AP News.
- New extremist group claims responsibility for Athens bombing, The Independent.
- Greece: Bomb goes off outside Hellenic Train offices in Athens, no injuries, CNN.
- Bomb explodes outside Greece’s railway company’s offices in Athens-Xinhua, Xinhua.
- A bomb strikes near the Athens offices of the Greek railway company. No injuries reported, AP News.
