Explosion at Greek prison official's home leaves two injured

Two individuals sustained injuries in an explosion targeting a residential area in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, which also damaged an apartment building and several vehicles.

The blast occurred early Saturday morning in the Sykies neighborhood, targeting the residence of the head of Greece’s prison guards' association. According to the association’s website, the official, identified as Konstantinos Varsamis, was unharmed despite approximately 3kg of explosives being placed near the building’s entrance, where he resides on the first floor.

Police sources reported that two people suffered minor cuts from broken glass. The explosion produced an intense noise heard over a kilometer away.

A neighbor, 52-year-old Tzetno Kelo, described being awakened by a loud blast. “Glass from my window shattered and fell onto my bed, covering me in blood,” he said. He received medical treatment before being released. Another resident, 88-year-old Sofia Hatzigeorgiou, told DNews that her home had been severely damaged, with a large gap blown into the wall separating her apartment from the targeted building.

Several nearby buildings also had windows shattered by the explosion. Reports indicate that the explosive used was a basic device activated by a standard detonator.

Authorities told reporters they were investigating a witness account of a man seen in the area shortly before the blast. Their focus is reportedly on criminal organizations rather than political extremists.

Varsamis has worked for years at Diavata prison near Thessaloniki, which holds numerous gang members and convicted terrorists.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the organized crime division is handling the initial investigation. Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and specialized police units, arrived at the scene. Footage from the incident showed residents gathered outside the damaged building late at night, some still in nightclothes, while one woman stepped cautiously through broken glass, carrying a cat.

Local representative Stratos Simopoulos stated that he visited the site to offer support to Varsamis, a personal friend. “He has my full solidarity. Weeks ago, I faced a similar attack, though his was far more severe. Those who serve the public with dedication often become targets of such cowardly acts. I have no doubt they will remain unshaken,” he told DNews.