Police investigating explosion near the Hellenic trains offices

There was an explosion in the Central Athens, near the offices of the Greek railway company Hellenic Train.

CCTV footage filmed the moment when the blast seems to be torn through a backpack, it is reported that it remains outside the office block late on Friday.

Police said anonymous calls were sent to the Greek media, warning of the attack, which happened near one of the most busy highways of the capital, Leophoros Andrea Siggra. No death or injury are reported.

The Minister of Transport of Greece, Christos Staikuras, condemned him as a “criminal act” that “endangers the lives of people.”

Local news editions Efsyn, Greek daily and Zougla website – both received a call – said the explosive device was apparently placed in a padlock and placed on a scooter without registration plates.

A police bomb disposal squad arrived too late to blow up the device before it exploded, they said.

Staikuras, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, said the attack was an “absolutely condemned act”.

“It is a criminal act that threatens the lives of people, employees and passers -by, at the central point of Athens and during the peak hour of movement,” he said in a statement.

“Nothing justifies terrorism, no act of violence brings justice. Authorities and the judiciary already have the floor,” Staikuras added.

The Hellenic train confirmed that employees or passing citizens were not injured and that the explosion caused “limited material damage”.

“Our company unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and tension that nourish the climate of toxicity that undermines all progress.”

Although the cause of the explosion is still unknown, it comes against the backdrop of a widespread public anger for a rail accident, which took place more than two years ago.

In February 2023 Freight train and passenger train Carrying 350 people, directed in opposite directions, were accidentally placed on the same track. Fifty -seven people, most of them young students, died. Dozens were more injured.

Since then, numerous protests have been held in Greece, including earlier this year, to mark the second anniversary of the crash.

These demonstrations went down to violence, with hooded protesters sawing rocks and gasoline bombs at the police. The officers reacted with tear gas and water cannons.

The investigation concluded in February that the train crash was caused by human error, poor maintenance and insufficient staff.

The test date is yet to be announced.