A 38-year-old woman died in an explosion in Thessaloniki, Greece, early Saturday, with authorities launching a criminal investigation into the incident.
A senior police official told Reuters the victim appeared to be carrying an explosive device, possibly intending to plant it at a bank ATM before the premature detonation. The blast marks a rare violent incident in Greece’s second-largest city, raising security concerns in the northern port metropolis.
Thessaloniki on High Alert as Police Continue Investigation
Forensic teams are scouring the explosion site as investigators work to determine whether the woman acted alone or as part of a larger group.
While Greece has seen sporadic far-left and anarchist attacks targeting financial institutions in recent years, this incident—resulting in the bomber’s death—represents an unusual fatal outcome.
Thessaloniki police have increased patrols near banking facilities as the investigation continues.