Two incidents involving explosions at food and beverage establishments, occurring within just half an hour of each other, mobilized police authorities in Athens in the early hours of Tuesday morning. In both cases, the perpetrators reportedly used metal manhole covers to smash the storefronts before throwing objects inside, triggering the explosions.
The first incident was recorded at approximately 4:25 a.m. on Acharnon Street, in the Omonia area. According to initial reports, an unknown individual approached a closed establishment and, using a metal manhole component, shattered the glass frontage. The suspect then threw an object inside, which subsequently detonated. Early reports suggest the device may have been a hand grenade, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Second explosion strikes half an hour later
Approximately 30 minutes later, at 4:55 a.m., a second incident occurred at the intersection of Mythimnis Street and Plateia Amerikis, in the Agios Panteleimonas neighborhood.
In this case as well, an unknown individual reportedly approached the establishment, smashed the glass front using a manhole grate, and then threw an object inside, causing an explosion.
Police units and a bomb disposal squad (TEEM) rushed to the scene to secure the area and examine the findings.
Authorities are investigating both incidents and, given the short time between them and the striking similarities in the method of attack, are expected to examine whether the two cases are linked. So far, however, it has not been confirmed whether the same perpetrator was responsible or whether the attacks were coordinated.
