Explosion in Kolonos: Four injured and three scenarios under investigation
An explosive device hidden in a bag containing drugs was accidentally detonated by a police officer in Kolonos, resulting in four casualties.
Explosive device in drugs bag wounds two police officers and two civilians in Kolonos
A bag containing drugs, scales, and an explosive device was found in an apartment building in Kolonos, causing an explosion that injured four people, including two police officers. To Vima reports that authorities are conducting ongoing investigations, whilst many questions remain and confirmed facts are minimal.
The building manager discovered the bag placed inside a jar and notified the police. Police officers attended the scene and one of them took it upon himself to examine the package. It was at that moment the explosion occurred.
How the bomb was detonated
According to initial information, the police officer accidentally stepped on a remote control that was also inside the bag while trying to determine what the package contained. The accidental activation of the device represents the dominant theory being examined by authorities thus far.
The police officer who was holding the bag was transported to the 401 General Military Hospital. His colleague and the two civilians who were injured are being treated at Evangelismos Hospital.
The three scenarios of ELAS
In the evening, a prosecutor attended the apartment building and conducted a search, together with police officers, of all the flats. This search was based on information regarding a person who reportedly had been previously involved in drug-related cases.
The case has been taken up by the Narcotics Investigation Division. The Counter-Terrorism Service, which had initially attended the scene, left, as it was deemed that the case did not fall within its remit.
Three scenarios are being examined:
- A resident of the apartment building had the package in their possession and decided to dispose of it, leaving it on the mezzanine.
- The package had been placed there beforehand in order for a third party to collect it.
- An unknown person entered the apartment building and left it for one of the residents.
Authorities emphasise that these are scenarios under investigation and not confirmed facts. The case is characterised as particularly unclear, whilst the Greek Police are expected to announce more specific conclusions in the coming days.
Source: To Vima