THESSALONIKI, Greece — A 38-year-old woman died early Saturday in a powerful explosion outside a bank in central Thessaloniki, in what authorities believe was a failed attempt to plant a bomb near a cash machine.
The woman, who remains unnamed by police, suffered catastrophic injuries to her hands when the device detonated while she was standing in front of a bank branch in a residential neighborhood of Greece’s second-largest city. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.
Greek police say the circumstances surrounding the blast indicate the woman may have been in the process of planting the explosive device near an ATM when it went off prematurely. A police spokesperson confirmed to national broadcaster Skai TV that the woman had previously served a prison sentence for her involvement in a bank robbery.
Investigators are now probing whether the woman had connections to extremist or anarchist networks. Some Greek media outlets have reported possible ties between the deceased and a left-wing militant currently imprisoned for a series of violent attacks and armed robberies. However, law enforcement has not officially confirmed any affiliations.
The explosion occurred in the early hours of the morning in a relatively quiet area of Thessaloniki. Video footage from the scene shows visible damage to nearby vehicles and the building’s exterior, underscoring the force of the blast. No other injuries were reported.
The incident has reignited concerns about the presence and activities of underground militant cells in Greece, where anarchist and far-left groups have a decades-long history of violence dating back to the 1970s. Though such attacks have become less frequent in recent years, authorities remain on high alert amid fears of resurgent political extremism and criminal operations.
Greek police say they are treating the explosion as a serious criminal investigation and are analyzing the remains of the device to determine its composition and origin. Surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed to identify any potential accomplices or unusual activity prior to the blast.
The woman’s body will undergo a full forensic examination, and her past criminal record is being scrutinized for any connections that might help determine her motive or affiliations.
bbc.com
