Suspicious suitcase in central Athens turns out to be tourist's forgotten luggage
A bag left at the busy Ermou and Athinas intersection in Monastiraki prompted a bomb squad response and traffic shutdown on Sunday evening before being declared harmless.
Initial alert
At approximately 19:50 on Sunday, 26 July 2026, a passer-by noticed an unattended suitcase outside a café at the intersection of Ermou and Athinas streets in Monastiraki, central Athens. The area, a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and the famous flea market, was filled with tourists and locals enjoying the summer evening. The abandoned bag, described by authorities as "orphan", immediately raised suspicion. The Hellenic Police were notified, and the first patrol cars arrived within minutes. Officers quickly assessed the situation and began evacuating the immediate vicinity.
Cordon and traffic measures
A security perimeter was established around the site. Vehicle traffic was suspended at three critical junctions: Athinas and Voreou, Ermou and Agion Asomaton, and Mitropoleos and Aiolou. These closures effectively sealed off a busy section of the city centre, bringing movement to a halt during the peak evening hours. Pedestrians were directed away from the area, and a tense quiet replaced the usual din of the commercial district. Police tape cordoned off the streets, and the public was kept at a safe distance while the bomb disposal unit was en route.
Bomb squad examination
Specialists from the Department of Explosive Devices Neutralization (TEEM), the Hellenic Police's dedicated bomb squad, arrived on site shortly after. Wearing protective gear, they approached the suitcase and began a systematic inspection. Using portable X-ray equipment and other detection tools, they scanned the bag for any sign of explosives or triggering mechanisms. The examination was conducted methodically, and after a thorough check, the team confirmed that the suitcase contained no hazardous materials. It held only personal belongings, later identified as those of a tourist.
Resolution and return to normal
With the all-clear given, the cordon was lifted and traffic resumed. Police determined that the suitcase had been inadvertently left behind by a visitor to the area. No injuries, damage, or arrests were reported. The entire incident, from the initial alert to the resolution, lasted less than an hour. By approximately 21:00, the streets had returned to their normal rhythm. The swift response reflected standard security protocols for unattended items in the Greek capital. No further details were released about the tourist or the contents of the bag.
