The first anniversary of Greece’s fatal train disaster in Tempe on February 28 was marked by violent protests and widespread strikes across the country’s transportation system. Last year, a passenger train collided with a freight train, resulting in the deadliest train crash in Greece’s history. Demonstrators in Athens and Thessaloniki demanded justice for the victims’ families and criticized the government’s lack of investment in the transport system.
Critics blame the privatization of Greece’s state rail company during the country’s debt crisis for compromising passenger safety. The sale to Italian firm Ferrovie dello Stato led to a lack of essential safety features on the rail network, some argue. Civil servant unions organized strikes on the anniversary, leading to clashes with the police in the capital.
The Greek government has promised a trial following a year-long inquiry, slated to begin in June. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed to punish the guilty parties and bring all causes of the tragedy to light. However, many relatives of the victims have expressed distrust in the official investigation and have hired their own investigators.
Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) claims to have improved safety measures since the crash, including the installation of 300 infrared cameras in tunnels. While progress has been made, more improvements are still needed to ensure the safety of passengers. The anniversary of the train disaster highlighted ongoing tensions in Greece regarding accountability and safety within the transportation system.
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