A hidden bomb trap inside a white bag caused a powerful explosion in the Kolonos district of Athens on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, injuring four people.
The violent blast went off at the entrance of an apartment building on Platonos Street. The explosion injured two responding police officers and two nearby civilians.
A deceptive phone call from an unidentified individual directly preceded the detonation, leading authorities to investigate the incident as a targeted trap. First responders rushed the critically injured officer to the 401 Military Hospital. Ambulances transported the remaining three victims to Evangelismos Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Setting a lethal trap for first responders
The attack began when an anonymous caller contacted the police emergency service to report a suspected crime. The caller falsely stated that a bag containing illegal narcotics was waiting for pickup at the apartment building’s entrance.
A police patrol unit arrived on the scene to investigate the report. The building’s manager met the officers and pointed out a suspicious white plastic bag left on the ground.
As one officer opened the bag to examine its contents, the hidden bomb suddenly detonated. The blast ripped through the entrance, triggering immediate panic across the neighborhood. It was confirmed that the bag contained an explosive mechanism wired to a detonator.
Securing the crime scene and launching the probe
The powerful detonation shattered glass windows and damaged the surrounding facade of the building.
The blast targeted the first officer directly, delivering severe shrapnel wounds to his head. The second officer and two civilians, including the building manager, suffered lighter injuries and severe shock from the blast radius. Medical directors later confirmed that none of the four injured individuals face life-threatening conditions.
Specialists from the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Laboratory immediately sealed off Platonos Street. Forensic experts are currently sweeping the area for chemical residues and electronic components to isolate the signature of the bomb maker. State prosecutors are reviewing local security camera footage to identify the individual who planted the lethal device.
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