A bomb exploded outside the Hellenic Train headquarters in central Athens, causing panic in a busy part of the city. The blast took place in an area filled with restaurants, bars, and homes. Police say no one was hurt, but the incident has sparked new anger in Greece, where public trust in the government remains low after the tragic 2023 Tempi train crash.
Bomb Found in Busy Athens District
Early Friday morning, Greek police found a suspicious bag outside the Hellenic Train offices on Syngrou Avenue. The bag contained an explosive device. Officers sealed off the area at once, moving both locals and tourists away to ensure safety.
Soon after, the bomb exploded, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood. Police had already blocked the area, so no injuries were reported. However, the blast caused damage to nearby buildings and left people shaken.
Local media reported that a newspaper and a news website had received an anonymous call before the explosion. The caller warned them that a bomb had been planted and would go off in about 40 minutes. This warning gave police time to respond.
Athens Still Reeling from Train Disaster
The bombing happened while the country is still dealing with the trauma of the 2023 Tempi train crash. That crash claimed 57 lives and remains the deadliest railway accident in Greek history. It happened when a passenger train and a freight train collided on the same track after being sent in opposite directions by mistake.
Most of the victims were young students heading back to university after a holiday. Many of their families and friends have since accused the government and the rail company of failing to fix known safety issues. People say the crash could have been avoided if better systems were in place.
Two years have passed since the accident, but grief and anger have not faded. In fact, protests and memorials have grown. Citizens are demanding justice and real changes to the country’s train system. Many say the bombing in Athens is a sign that public trust is breaking down even more.
Protesters Demand Answers
The explosion has once again put pressure on the Greek government. Activists and opposition leaders say officials have done too little to improve rail safety since the Tempi crash. They accuse the government of ignoring past warnings and trying to cover up mistakes.
People are angry that those in charge have not been held responsible. Families of the victims want full transparency, and they want those who failed to act to be punished.
Protesters have taken to the streets across Greece. In Athens, Thessaloniki, and other cities, people are marching with signs and candles. They are calling for safer trains, better inspections, and working signal systems.
Prime Minister Promises Investigation
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke to the public after the bombing. He said the government would investigate the blast fully. He also promised that the search for answers about the Tempi disaster would continue.
But many people say words are not enough. They want action, not promises. The bombing has made them feel unsafe and unheard.
Mitsotakis’s government has faced growing protests in recent weeks. Many say he has failed to deliver the reforms he promised after the crash. While some steps have been taken, like hiring new staff and adding cameras to trains, critics say the core problems remain.
Past Security Issues Raise Concerns
This is not the first time a bomb has exploded near a major site in Athens. In recent years, the city has seen a number of bomb threats and attacks. In 2019, a similar warning was issued before a bomb went off near the Skai TV station.
While these attacks have not led to deaths, they highlight ongoing security concerns. Police believe some of the threats may be linked to extremist groups or people angry at the government.
Analysts say the bombing near the Hellenic Train building is not random. They see it as a message — a sign of deep public frustration. Some believe it could be tied to the growing movement demanding rail reform and government accountability.
Public Wants Justice and Reform
The recent events have stirred fresh anger. People want those responsible for the Tempi crash to face trial. They also want strong changes in how Greece’s trains are run.
The tragedy in Tempi and the bombing in Athens show a common theme — a public that feels ignored. Many believe the government has failed to protect them.
Until true reform takes place, protests are likely to continue. Citizens say they will not stop speaking out until justice is served and safety is restored.
As the investigation unfolds, the world watches to see how Greece will respond. Will leaders finally act, or will public anger grow even more?