Explosion kills man in Athens apartment as anti-terror squad investigates

In the early hours of November 1, 2024, a devastating explosion ripped through a third-floor apartment in the central district of Ambelokipi, Athens, resulting in the death of a man and severe injuries to a woman. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established, while the woman’s critical condition has rendered her unable to provide any information to investigators. Emergency services responded swiftly, using specialized tools and sniffer dogs to search for potential survivors among the wreckage. Initial assessments suggested that a gas leak might have triggered the blast; however, these speculations were soon ruled out. Experts from Greece's anti-terrorist squad are now examining the possibility that an explosive device may have been inadvertently detonated within the apartment. The investigation revealed other alarming findings, including at least one handgun located at the scene. The nature of such incidents in Greece raises concerns given the country’s history of far-left extremism, which has previously seen violent actions against state authorities. Although major extremist groups have been dismantled in the past decades, smaller factions remain active, leading to fears that this incident could signal a resurgence of similar threats. Authorities are continuing to piece together the events leading to the explosion, emphasizing the need for public safety and vigilance against potential further threats. A thorough investigation is crucial to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event and ensuring accountability.