Protests Erupt Across Greece in Response to Tempe Railway Disaster

Protests are unfolding across Greece today, prompted by the Tempe railway disaster that claimed 57 lives. The recent release of a new audio recording related to the incident has reignited public outrage.

Under the banner “I Have No Oxygen,” the association of victims’ families has organized demonstrations in at least 97 cities throughout Greece and 13 cities internationally. A similar protest took place in Brussels on Saturday afternoon to commemorate the victims.

In Athens, protesters have gathered at Syntagma Square starting at noon, leading to traffic restrictions in the city center. As part of the safety measures, the “Syntagma” Metro station on Lines 2 and 3 has been closed since 10 A.M.

Additionally, an expert accident investigation committee commissioned by the victims’ families submitted a report on Monday with findings that the deaths of 30 passengers occurred after the collision and were linked to the presence of large amounts of flammable liquids—not silicone oil from the trains’ transformers, as previously alleged.

The report sheds light on the causes of the disaster, which claimed 57 lives, and reveals new evidence challenging earlier narratives, including those put forth by the Greek government.

Calls for rallies, in addition to Syntagma, already exist for the same day and time in Thessaloniki, Chania, Heraklion, Larissa, Alexandroupoli, Drama and Chalkida.

• In Thessaloniki , the gathering will take place in Kamara.
• In Heraklion , Crete, at Eleftherias Square.
• In Chania  at the Agora Square.
• In Larissa,  in the central square of the city.
• In Alexandroupoli , outside the City Hall.
• In Drama , at Eleftherias Square.
• In Chalkida , at Tahidromiou Square.

Nearly two years after the disaster, victims’ families continue their fight for justice and have repeatedly accused authorities of deliberate efforts to obscure the truth. In an effort to draw attention to their relentless demand for justice, the families of the victims have taken their case to the European Parliament in the past and even organized an emotive concert over the past summer in Greece.

The Tempi disaster remains Greece’s most devastating train accidents, exposing deep flaws in the country’s transport and safety infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in Thessaloniki, the “New Railway Station” Metro station is also closed, though train services continue as usual along the remainder of Line 1.