Police arrested a 29-year-old basketball player in central Athens after he drove his car onto active train tracks while under the influence of alcohol, disrupting rail services and endangering public safety.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the intersection of Konstantinoupoleos Avenue and Iera Odos. According to authorities, the athlete from Chalkida, who competes in the Elite League, entered the railway lines with his vehicle and continued driving along them for approximately 300 metres.
A video broadcast on a central television news bulletin shows the player’s car immobilised directly on the tracks. The vehicle’s presence forced authorities to halt train traffic for an extended period, causing significant disruption to the railway network.
Police officers from the Athens Traffic Police Sub-Directorate arrested the driver at the scene. A breathalyser test confirmed that he was driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers also determined that he lacked the required documents for legal residence in Greece.
In an official statement, the Hellenic Police said they charged the athlete with obstructing transportation, dangerous driving, and violating immigration law. Police later brought him before the competent public prosecutor.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, while the video evidence has intensified public concern over road safety and reckless driving in urban areas.
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.
