Greece: Bomb Explosion Occurs Outside Hellenic Train Offices In Athens

An explosion occurred outside the offices of Hellenic Train in Athens, Greek police said on Friday, adding there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Police cordoned off the area after two Greek media organizations received warning calls that an explosive device would go off within 35 minutes, police officials said. A suspicious-looking bag was spotted outside the building which was evacuated.

An investigation is under way. A police official said the cause was likely a makeshift bomb.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Hellenic Train is a unit of Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato IPO-FERRO.MI, which operates passenger and freight routes in Greece.

Many Greeks view the explosion as emblematic of the neglect of the country’s railways in recent decades and also of a persistent failure by the state to address safety concerns. The explosion has prompted angry protests, fueled further by a lack of trust in institutions.

CNN/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma