A long-awaited report on the investigation into Greece’s deadliest train crash was released Thursday, attributing the head-on collision that claimed the lives of 57 people two years ago to human error, outdated infrastructure, and major systemic failures.
The 178-page report revealed that a routing mistake by a station master led to a passenger train being directed onto the same track as an oncoming freight train. The tragic collision occurred near Tempe, 375 kilometers (235 miles) north of Athens, resulting in the deaths of 46 passengers and 11 staff members, including both train drivers.
Investigators also highlighted issues such as poor training, staff shortages, and a deteriorating railway system that lacked automated safety controls. They noted a chronic lack of public investment during the 2010-18 financial crisis as a contributing factor to the accident.
The findings were published by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority, which emphasized that many safety improvements are still pending completion. The authority's director stressed that accidents are not random occurrences but are often the result of multiple factors, including human error.
Christos Papadimitriou, the authority director, stated, “The Greek railway system lacked the necessary safety systems in 2023, and still does today, to prevent accidents caused by human mistakes like the one in Tempe involving the train driver and station master.”
The government acknowledged the “very serious shortcomings and understaffing and underfunding” identified in the report and pledged to address them. However, it refuted claims by opposition parties that it had obstructed the investigation, stating that no evidence of a cover-up was found in the report.
As the second anniversary of the crash approaches, Athens is bracing for mass protests and a general strike. The government plans to deploy 5,000 police officers to maintain order during the demonstrations, which are expected to disrupt various services and commercial activities.
