57 Dead in Greece's Devastating Train Crash - New Findings in Investigation Point to Safety Gaps and Allegations Against Authorities
The investigation into Greece's deadliest train disaster of 2023 has revealed that it occurred due to long-standing safety gaps. On February 28, 2023, a head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train near Larissa resulted in the deaths of 57 people. The incident sparked widespread protests in Greece, with the families of the victims accusing authorities of attempting to cover up evidence.
The investigation by the National Aviation Investigation Agency and the Railway Accidents and Transportation Safety Agency (HARSIA) found that the disaster was caused by a lack of safety measures and multiple long-standing issues. The report raised suspicion about the possible presence of an unknown fuel, which could have triggered the fireball and explosion.
Due to severe budget cuts during the Greek economic crisis from 2009-2018, Greece's rail network had weakened, leading to a reduction in operational staff. HARSIA claimed that both Hellenic Train and the state-run Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) had failed to follow proper safety protocols and training.
17 recommendations have been made to the railway authorities, which could play an effective role in preventing the recurrence of such a disaster. On the second anniversary of the tragedy, there will be widespread strikes and protest rallies in Greece, which are expected to spread internationally.
