Protests erupted across Greece, marking the second anniversary of a tragic rail disaster that resulted in 57 deaths. In Athens, demonstrators filled Syntagma Square, carrying signs in memory of those lost. Young protester Dimitris, accompanied by his father, expressed their demand for justice, highlighting the personal nature of the event. The disaster unfolded on February 28, 2023, when a student-laden passenger train collided with a goods train near Tempi. A recent inquiry identified human error, maintenance failures, and insufficient staff as key reasons for the tragedy, prompting public outrage towards the government.
The report, shared by the Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority, claimed that safety measures were still lacking, intensifying calls for accountability. Many attendees of the protests, including first-time demonstrators, accused the conservative government of not adequately addressing the issues involved. Tensions escalated as clashes erupted, with protesters throwing petrol bombs and police responding with tear gas. Throughout Greece and in various European cities, rallies attracted thousands, highlighting widespread anger over the ill-fated rail network.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences but now faces significant political pressure as protests were spurred by a frustration that transcended economic issues. The inquiry revealed corrupt practices leading to safety systems being delayed, pushing relatives of victims to demand thorough investigations. Speculation regarding the nature of the cargo on the goods train added to the anger, with allegations of potential cover-ups amplifying calls for transparency. Amidst the turmoil, community members demonstrated unity while demanding a re-examination of events leading to the catastrophic accident, cementing the protests as a significant political moment in Greece.
