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SHOCKING footage has captured the moment a bomb exploded in central Athens after authorities received a tip from an anonymous caller.
A bomb exploded outside the headquarters of Hellenic Train, Greece’s primary railway company, which was linked to a tragic train accident in 2023 that resulted in numerous fatalities.
Footage shows the moment the explosion ripped through the backpack planted outside the offices.
A massive flash was captured in the CCTV clips after the bomb detonated.
Emergency rescuers rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area after local residents said they heard a loud explosion in the avenue.
It is understood to have been caused by a device which was placed inside a backpack and was left on a bike without license plates.
The backpack was reportedly tied to a pillar outside the Hellenic Train offices with a lock on.
Local media said an anonymous person had called and warned about a bomb being placed at the Hellenic Train offices at 8.53pm local time.
He warned that the bomb would explode in “30 to 40 minutes” and said that “it is not a prank”.
Cops are now investigating the cause of the explosion.
It is understood that no one was hurt in the blast.
However, the extent of damage it caused is still unknown.
Christos Dimas, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, stated, “The bombing at the Hellenic Train offices today is entirely unacceptable and must be condemned.”
“This is a criminal act, which endangered the lives of people, employees and passers-by, in a central point of Athens and during peak traffic hours.
“Nothing justifies terrorism, no act of violence brings justice. The authorities and the judiciary now have the floor.”
Statement from Hellenic Train
“[We] confirm that earlier this evening, an explosion occurred very close to its headquarters on Syggrou Avenue.
“The incident caused limited material damage, without any injuries – neither among the company’s employees nor among passing citizens.
“A warning call had been made to the ESIEA offices and the competent authorities were immediately mobilized, taking all necessary actions.
“Hellenic Train has worked closely with authorities from the start and is currently implementing all required steps to ensure the safety of its staff,” he added.
“Our company unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and tensions that trigger a climate of toxicity that undermines all progress. This way of expression has no place in society.
“We will continue to courageously defend dialogue, cooperation, solidarity and justice.”
The explosion comes amid widespread public anger over the 2023 railway disaster, when a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions were accidentally put on the same track.
The passenger express was going from the capital Athens to Thessaloniki in the north.
It had just left Larisa in central Greece when it ploughed head-on into a goods train heading in the opposite direction just before midnight.
At least three carriages burst into flames.
Of 66 injured passengers – including children – some 25 were said to be in a serious condition.
Horror pictures showed the devastating aftermath of the disaster.
Mangled carriages with broken windows lay twisted beside the tracks as thick plumes of smoke rose into the sky.
