Bomb Explodes at Hellenic Train Headquarters – Authorities on High Alert

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

News | Greece

A bomb exploded early on the morning of Friday, April 11, 2025, outside the headquarters of Hellenic Train in Athens, causing significant damage and widespread alarm in the area. The blast occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Karolou Street near Larissa Station, where the company’s central offices are located.

Initial Reports

According to early information from the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.), unidentified individuals placed an explosive device at the entrance of the building. The explosion occurred just minutes later. A warning phone call to a news website preceded the incident, allowing authorities to evacuate the premises in time and avoid casualties. No injuries have been reported. Police forces and the Counter-Terrorism Unit arrived at the scene immediately, cordoning off the area and temporarily suspending traffic.

The explosion was powerful and felt across a wide radius. The building’s windows were shattered, and nearby shops and parked vehicles also suffered damage. Local residents reported that "the ground shook" and that "there was a deafening noise, like a thunderclap."

Investigation and Possible Motives

The Counter-Terrorism Unit is leading the investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack. No group has claimed responsibility so far. Authorities are examining whether the act is linked to past terrorist attacks on corporate targets or if it was a form of protest related to the widely criticized 2023 Tempi train disaster, for which Hellenic Train has faced intense public backlash.

Hellenic Train, a rail operator under Italian ownership, has been targeted in the past by groups opposing the privatization of public transport or accusing the company of negligence and insufficient safety measures.

Official Statements and Reactions

The Minister for Citizen Protection condemned the attack, stating, "We will not allow anyone to terrorize Greek society and its workers," and emphasized that the investigation would be thorough and decisive.

Hellenic Train issued a statement denouncing the act as "a criminal action that endangers human lives and undermines the operation of railway transport." The company confirmed it is fully cooperating with authorities and that operations are continuing as normal.

Public Sentiment

The incident occurs amid heightened social tensions, as public outrage over the Tempi tragedy and ongoing concerns about the condition of the rail network remain strong. Many fear a resurgence of violent actions aimed at making political or symbolic statements or seeking "revenge" through extreme means.

Authorities are urging the public to remain calm and vigilant, and security measures have been reinforced across key transport infrastructures and public institutions.

The case is being closely followed as one of the most serious attacks in recent years targeting the country’s transport sector.