In the complex of the former Elliniko International Airport in the south-eastern suburbs of Athens, 314 bombs from the Second World War were found during construction work. This was written by the eKathimerini news portal, citing local authorities, according to which unexploded ordnance was also found under facilities built for the 2004 Olympics.
Athens
10:04 p.m April 26, 2024
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The former international airport in the Elliniko district of Athens, which ceased operations in 2001 | Source: Profimedia
The German-made munitions were buried two meters below a former social club, kindergartens and sports facilities built for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Athens District Mayor Jannis Konstantatos said.
“Fortunately, there was no explosion or accident. It is a mystery how the entire airport and numerous facilities of the city and civil aviation functioned in such a minefield,” noted Konstantatos. The bombs were disposed of by pyrotechnicians of the Greek army, the portal writes.
Elliniko Airport was built in the late 1930s. During World War II, it was used by the German Luftwaffe for occupation. It later served as a civilian international airport, which was closed by the authorities in 2001.
Three years later, part of the area was transformed into the venue of the Olympic Games, and subsequently a refugee camp was located there. Now the media is reporting on a large-scale construction project at the site.
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