Greek police responded rapidly after an nameless warning concerning the bomb exterior the Hellenic Prepare workplace in Athens.
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A bomb went off exterior the places of work of Hellenic Prepare — Greece’s fundamental railway firm — in central Athens on Friday night, shaking the realm however leaving nobody injured.
The explosion, which occurred on Syngrou Avenue, not removed from cafés, bars and eating places, has added gasoline to the hearth of public frustration nonetheless simmering after the tragic rail catastrophe in Tempi, which claimed 57 lives.
Nameless name warned police earlier than Athens blast
In response to native media, the blast wasn’t solely surprising. Round 40 minutes earlier than it occurred, an nameless caller rang each a newspaper and a information web site, warning {that a} bomb had been planted close to the constructing.
Police rapidly moved in, cordoning off the realm and retaining passers-by and close by companies at a secure distance. Officers later confirmed {that a} bag containing an explosive system had been discovered exterior the Hellenic Prepare places of work.
Though the explosion did go off, nobody was harm, thanks partially to the speedy response. The scene was eerily quiet afterwards — simply flashing lights, scattered particles, and the rising rigidity of a metropolis that’s nonetheless asking laborious questions.
Greece’s deadliest practice crash nonetheless haunts the nation
It’s unattainable to disregard the timing. The explosion got here simply weeks after the second anniversary of the 2023 Tempi crash, Greece’s worst-ever rail catastrophe. That collision — which occurred when a freight practice and a passenger practice have been mistakenly routed onto the identical monitor — killed dozens, most of them younger folks heading again to college after a vacation.
Since then, public belief within the rail system has taken an enormous hit. Many nonetheless blame authorities for poor infrastructure, lack of security upgrades, and political buck-passing. The ache from Tempi hasn’t light — and for some, Friday evening’s blast is a grim reflection of how uncooked these wounds nonetheless are.
Nobody has claimed accountability for the bombing to date, however it’s clear that feelings are nonetheless working excessive.
The Greek authorities has but to concern an in depth assertion, and investigations are underway. In the meantime, residents are left questioning what’s coming subsequent — and whether or not the teachings of Tempi have actually been realized.
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