Three homemade bomb explosions in Thessaloniki target New Democracy officials, one official’s mother also loses her life

Thessaloniki was shaken in the early hours of the morning by three coordinated attacks with homemade gas bombs, which targeted the homes of three local officials of the ruling party, New Democracy.

The incident had tragic consequences, as the mother of one of the local officials died in hospital from injuries caused by the flames and smoke that engulfed the apartment building.

The most serious case was recorded at the home of Afrodhiti Nestora. The explosive material had been placed in a vehicle parked near the entrance to the building. After the blast, a major fire broke out and smoke spread throughout the building. Her mother was seriously injured while trying to put out the fire. She was transported intubated to the intensive care unit, but could not survive.

Afrodhiti Nestora is still in hospital. She suffered burns to her hands and feet and is also experiencing breathing difficulties because of the smoke. Her father was also taken to hospital with respiratory problems, although his condition is better. Two other residents of the building, affected by the smoke, also received first aid.

The other two explosions targeted the home of the head of New Democracy in Thessaloniki, Zisis Ioakeimovits, as well as that of former MP Savvas Anastasiadis. In one of the cases, the device had been placed at the entrance of the building, while in the other it was positioned in an area opposite the residence, causing material damage.

The Anti-Terror Service has taken over the investigation into the case. Authorities said the attacks were carried out almost at the same time, while security cameras recorded a young man who is suspected of having planted one of the explosive devices.

The incident has triggered strong political reactions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the attacks, describing them as an act of terrorism, and visited Thessaloniki accompanied by the ministers of Citizen Protection and Health. He stressed that the state would maintain zero tolerance toward terrorism and promised that the perpetrators would be identified and brought to justice.