Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has rejected allegations of a cover-up in the Tempe railway disaster during an interview with Alpha TV, stressing that if the freight train was carrying illegal cargo that contributed to the fire, railway operator Hellenic Train would be held accountable.
His comments came amid widespread protests demanding justice for the disaster, which claimed numerous lives.
Mitsotakis initially claimed the train was not carrying suspicious cargo, based on assurances from the Fire Department and Hellenic Train, but acknowledged new evidence has emerged.
Εάν το πόρισμα του ανακριτή είναι ότι υπήρχε κάτι εύφλεκτο και παράνομο σε αυτό το τρένο, θα γυρίσω τον κόσμο ανάποδα να εξασφαλίσω ότι αυτό δεν θα ξαναγίνει. https://t.co/IIvViEaWy1 pic.twitter.com/lHWSwiUE5w
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) January 29, 2025
“If it is proven [something suspicious was on the train], Hellenic Train must be held accountable,” he said. Mitsotakis firmly rejected accusations of a cover-up, calling them a “huge lie.”
The PM also discussed the emotional impact of the leaked audio recordings from the crash, noting that the public was shocked, especially parents hearing their children’s final moments. He emphasised that citizens demand justice and assurances that such a tragedy will never happen again.
Addressing recent political tensions, Mitsotakis acknowledged the right of victims’ families to demand justice but criticised the opposition for politicising their grief.
He also stated that the investigation into the disaster is nearing its conclusion, with the justice system taking the lead in providing answers.
Source: Ekathimerini.
