Deadly explosion in Greece: Woman killed by bomb she was carrying

A woman on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has reportedly died in Greece after a bomb detonated in her hands, according to local police.

Authorities say the explosion occurred early Saturday morning in the northern city of Thessaloniki, as the woman stood outside a bank.

Investigators believe she may have been attempting to plant the device near an ATM when it went off prematurely.

The 38-year-old woman, whose identity has not been released, suffered critical injuries to her hands during the blast and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Despite efforts to save her, she later succumbed to her injuries.

A police spokesperson informed Greece’s Skai TV that the woman had a previous criminal record and had previously served time in prison for a bank robbery.

This background has led law enforcement to suspect a possible connection to more organized or politically motivated activity.

Some local media outlets have reported that the woman might have had ties to a prominent left-wing figure who is currently incarcerated for involvement in armed robberies and violent attacks.

While these reports are unconfirmed, they have intensified speculation about a potential ideological motive behind the attempted bombing.

The incident took place in a residential neighborhood in the central part of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.

Surveillance video and images from the scene show visible damage to nearby buildings and vehicles, likely caused by the force of the explosion.

Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area while bomb disposal experts and forensic teams carried out their investigation.

The explosion has once again drawn attention to a broader pattern of violence and political extremism that has periodically troubled Greece.

The country reportedly has a long-standing history of anarchist and far-left militant activity, dating back to the 1970s.

Over the years, these groups have carried out various attacks targeting government buildings, financial institutions, police forces, and symbols of capitalism or authority.

In addition to politically motivated incidents, Greece has also experienced criminal acts involving explosives, often attributed to organized gangs.

Such groups have been known to use bombs to destroy ATMs and safes in an effort to access cash or disrupt operations.

However, in this particular case, the woman’s criminal background and the suspected nature of the attack have prompted investigators to look beyond typical gang-related motives.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the woman was acting alone or as part of a small, radicalized cell.

An extensive search of the area was conducted following the blast to ensure there were no additional explosive devices or accomplices nearby.

Police are also analyzing phone records, surveillance footage, and the materials used in the bomb to trace its origin and determine whether others were involved in its assembly or planning.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attempted bombing, and police have yet to confirm a definitive motive.

The lack of a claim has made it difficult to determine whether the act was driven by political ideology, criminal intent, or a combination of both.

Officials have stated that investigations are ongoing and that more information is expected to emerge as forensic analysis continues.

The authorities have also asked the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity or information that might help in the ongoing probe.

The event has sparked renewed concern about public safety in urban areas, especially given the potential for civilian casualties in such incidents.

Though no other injuries were reported in Saturday’s explosion, the proximity to residential buildings and the presence of parked cars underscore the risks associated with explosive devices in populated areas.

Greek officials have consistently emphasized their commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism.

In recent years, police have dismantled several militant cells and seized large quantities of explosives and weapons.

However, the latest incident suggests that isolated actors or remnants of former groups may still pose a threat.

The government is likely to face pressure to increase surveillance and improve counter-terrorism efforts.

This is particularly in cities like Thessaloniki and Athens, where previous attacks have occurred.

Security forces are expected to maintain heightened vigilance in the coming weeks as they monitor for any further signs of coordinated activity.

The tragic death of the woman involved in this failed attack serves as a stark reminder of the lingering challenges Greece faces in dealing with politically charged violence and the potential dangers posed by both organized criminal elements and radicalized individuals.

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