Patras Train Collision: Raised Barriers Lead to Crash at Level Crossing

In an unusual incident in Patras, a Suburban train collided with a car at a level crossing where the safety barriers were inexplicably raised.

According to Hellenic Train, the quick reflexes of the train's engineer prevented a more serious accident, saving the car driver, who sustained only minor injuries. None of the five passengers aboard the train were harmed.

What Happened?

The collision occurred at 8:00 a.m. on Route 11352 from Patras to Kato Achaia near the Paralia station. Hellenic Train attributes the mishap to a technical fault in the train’s sensor system. The train had made an unscheduled stop earlier in the journey to address an indicator issue, which, in turn, disrupted the timer controlling the level crossing barriers. As a result, the barriers remained raised when the train approached.

Engineer's Reflexes Praised

Hellenic Train highlighted the swift actions of the train’s engineer, who immediately reduced speed and continuously sounded the warning horn upon noticing the car on the tracks. These actions, taken in strict adherence to safety protocols, are credited with minimising the severity of the collision.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Police and ambulance services promptly arrived at the scene. The car driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, while all train passengers were reported to be unharmed.

To ensure uninterrupted service, Hellenic Train replaced the affected routes—11352, 11354, and 11355—with buses.

Hellenic Train’s Official Statement

Hellenic Train emphasized that safety remains its highest priority and that the barrier malfunction was an isolated incident linked to the earlier sensor fault. Measures are being taken to investigate and prevent a recurrence of such events.