Greek authorities are investigating suspected sabotage targeting railway infrastructure in northern Greece after critical cables were cut in two incidents within a week, disrupting key systems before being restored.
The latest incident occurred in the Platy area, in eastern Imathia, northern Greece, where unknown individuals broke open a concrete casing and severed multiple cables essential for railway operations, replacing them with fake ones. The damage affected telecommunications, remote control systems, signaling, and fiber-optic lines used for communication between stations.
Officials confirmed that most of the affected systems have now been repaired, with crews restoring telecontrol and signaling cables and working to fully secure the fiber-optic network. Rail operations have since returned to normal following safety checks.
Authorities say the damage extended across a stretch of approximately 15 kilometers, impacting infrastructure between nearby stations. While initial speculation included a possible attempt to steal copper, officials noted that no materials were taken, raising suspicions that the act may have been deliberate sabotage.
Police have launched an investigation, supported by prosecutors, to determine the exact nature of the incident and identify those responsible. Forensic teams have examined the site for DNA and fingerprints, while investigators are also analyzing mobile phone signals in the area to track potential suspects.
“There is an official complaint for sabotage,” the police’s spokesperson said, adding that technical experts have assessed the damage and indicated it was not consistent with theft.
The railway authority said specialized crews responded immediately after the malfunction was detected, confirming that the damage resulted from deliberate interference with cable installations. It added that all systems are now back in operation and that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
