Suspicious black bag in central Athens closes Omirou street and access from Panepistimiou

Bag found between Omirou and Panepistimiou

Authorities were alerted on the afternoon of Monday, 9 November, after a suspicious object inside a black plastic bag was spotted in central Athens, in the area between Omirou and Panepistimiou streets. Early reports said the find triggered an immediate response from the competent services. Reports from the scene did not describe what the bag contained or how it came to be there.

Response at the scene

Hellenic Police (ELAS) and firefighters were on site, and officials were examining the contents to establish whether the object was dangerous. Several outlets reported the same first details, with no later update on the outcome of that examination in the articles available. The reports available did not name any suspect or give any further detail about the object.

Traffic and public guidance

Traffic arrangements took effect at the same time as the operation. Omirou street remained closed, and access was cut from both Panepistimiou and Stadiou streets. One report said the incident was causing problems for people travelling towards the city centre. Drivers and pedestrians were advised not to approach the spot and to follow police instructions fully.

What remains unknown

The most recent reports, published between 15:56 and 16:40 UTC, carried no information on whether the bag posed a threat. They also gave no timetable for reopening the streets. Any later developments will depend on the outcome of the examination by police and firefighters.