Thessaloniki explosion kills suspected bomber, police probe extremist links VIDEO

A powerful explosion rocked the centre of Thessaloniki in the early hours of May 3, killing a 38-year-old woman and damaging surrounding buildings, vehicles, and shops.

The incident occurred near a bank branch, where authorities believe the woman had intended to plant an improvised explosive device (IED), Caliber.Az reports, citing Greek media.

Initial police assessments suggest that the device detonated prematurely—likely due to an error in handling—killing the woman and sparking a wave of destruction in the area.

Emergency services rushed the victim to a nearby hospital with severe injuries, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

#Watch | A powerful blast in a residential area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, has tragically claimed the life of a woman. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, which shocked the quiet neighborhood late Monday night. Updates to follow as the situation… pic.twitter.com/vDUQ1f2Ge9

— CLR.CUT (@clr_cut) May 3, 2025

The blast shattered windows in nearby apartment buildings, scorched parked cars, and damaged storefronts. Police immediately cordoned off the area, launching an investigation into the incident.

Investigators are now probing whether the woman had ties to radical left-wing groups, though her identity has not yet been officially disclosed.

This incident comes just weeks after a separate bomb-related disruption in Europe, when train services between London and Paris were halted in March following the discovery of a World War II bomb on the tracks, forcing thousands of passengers to change their travel plans.

The Thessaloniki explosion has reignited concerns in Greece over domestic extremism and the threat of urban violence.

By Tamilla Hasanova