Greek police have confirmed the authenticity of three key videos showing the freight train involved in the tragic Tempi train crash, which claimed 57 lives in February 2023. The forensic analysis found no signs of suspicious cargo, addressing long-standing speculation about the explosion that followed the collision. The videos, submitted with a two-year delay, provide critical evidence as investigators continue to unravel the circumstances of one of Greece’s deadliest rail disasters.
Tag: transportation safety
Greek authorities have launched an urgent investigation into newly surfaced video footage related to the Tempi train collision. Magistrate Sotiris Baikamis has ordered experts to analyze the footage to confirm whether the freight train involved was illegally carrying hazardous materials. The videos, provided by a railway surveillance company, could play a crucial role in determining potential regulatory violations in one of Greece’s deadliest rail disasters.
Newly released audio recordings from the tragic train collision in Tempi have intensified calls for accountability, with Nikos Plakias, a father who lost two daughters and his niece in the disaster, demanding the resignation of responsible officials. The recordings, which span several hours, reveal the full scale of the catastrophe, including the explosion that claimed 30 lives. Plakias, who has been vocal about the lack of response from authorities, questions whether Prime Minister Mitsotakis was fully aware of the situation and insists on a full investigation into the events.
In 2023, rail transport fatalities in the EU rose to 841, reversing a decade-long decline. Greece recorded a staggering 22.3 deaths per thousand kilometers of railway track, the highest in the EU. The majority of fatalities involved unauthorized persons on the tracks (58%), followed by accidents at level crossings (27%). This troubling trend highlights significant disparities in rail safety across Europe, with Greece facing particular scrutiny as it grapples with high fatality rates.
Hellenic Train drivers will go on a 24-hour strike on October 10, as announced by the Panhellenic Union of Traction Staff. The union is demanding improved safety measures, including remote control and light signaling, following past accidents. In response, Hellenic Train is taking legal action against the strike, claiming many demands fall under the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE).
A ferry accident at the Mykonos port on Thursday caused panic among passengers, with several suitcases and a baby stroller falling into the sea. A man holding a baby was rescued from the water by other passengers. Some passengers sustained minor injuries. The Cypriot-flagged Jumbo Jet ferry had docked but experienced issues with the catapult moving, leading to the fall. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Coast Guard, with statements from the Ministry of Shipping emphasizing the importance of safety in maritime operations.