The investigation by authorities into the explosion that occurred yesterday, Thursday (31/1), in a third-floor apartment in Ampelokipoi is in full progress. The explosion resulted in the death of a man and the serious injury of a woman.
Evidence collected by the police suggests that this may be a case of terrorism. At the scene of the explosion, a 9mm gun was found—which has been sent to forensic labs—along with an amount of explosive material. A mobile phone was also discovered, and it was determined that the injured woman had previously been under the surveillance of State Security.
Furthermore, on Friday morning, police spokesperson Konstantina Demoglidu stated that the woman has been identified but is not yet able to provide a statement.
The moment police officers located the nine-gun in the apartment:
Of particular interest is the fact that, according to reports, one or two additional people were visiting the apartment. This has led police to consider that a terrorist attack may have been in preparation.
The Fire Department’s investigation determined that the explosion occurred in the apartment’s living room, where the man, who was killed instantly, was located. The woman was seriously injured because she was in close proximity to the blast.
What stands out is that, based on investigations conducted at the scene, no gas cylinder or explosive device remnants were found, which strengthens suspicions that this was a “perfect explosion”—an explosion designed to leave no trace.
Police handling the case believe the most likely scenario is that the explosion was caused by mishandling a device the occupants were preparing or from explosives they possessed that were accidentally detonated for unknown reasons.
Initially, the Anti-Terrorism Unit is attempting to map out the case by identifying individuals known to have been previously associated with the young woman. However, she remains seriously injured and unable to speak. Meanwhile, investigators have reopened files on groups within the broader anarchist space, which had been considered potentially active in urban guerrilla tactics.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the apartment where the explosion occurred had been loaned to the couple by its owner, who is currently residing in the Netherlands.