An explosion rocked central Athens recently, damaging the offices of the Greek railway company, Hellenic Train. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The blast happened when a backpack, reportedly left outside the building, detonated. CCTV captured the moment of the explosion.
Police received anonymous warnings of the attack before it happened. The device had been placed in a locked backpack on a scooter without license plates, according to local media. Sadly, bomb disposal teams arrived too late to defuse it.
Greece’s Transport Minister, Christos Staikouras, called the explosion a "criminal act." He expressed concern for the safety of everyone nearby, especially during busy traffic times. He emphasized that violence can never justify anger or frustration.
The incident is significant as it comes amid ongoing outrage in Greece over a tragic train collision earlier this year that claimed 57 lives. This horrific accident galvanized public protests and exposed deep-rooted issues within the railway system, such as inadequate safety measures and staffing problems.
In the months following the train disaster, protests drew thousands. Some turned violent, with clashes between protesters and police. An inquiry found that human error was to blame, alongside insufficient maintenance and resources.
Recent surveys show widespread dissatisfaction among Greeks about safety in public transport. Over 70% express concerns about railway safety following the accident. Many believe the government must take swift action to prevent further tragedies.
Meanwhile, social media trends reflect growing frustration. Videos of the protests have gone viral, with many calling for accountability and change within the transportation sector.
Hellenic Train has publicly condemned all forms of violence, urging a stop to the cycle of anger and retaliation. They reaffirmed their commitment to safety improvements and dialogue.
As Athens grapples with the emotional aftermath of these events, it highlights an urgent need for reform in public safety measures.
For more on the impact of recent transport tragedies in Greece, check the BBC’s coverage on railway safety.
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