Hellenic Air and Rail Accident official resigns amid Tempi train disaster report controversy

·

Deputy Chairman of the Hellenic Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority (HARSIA), Christos Papadimitriou, has resigned, citing personal and family reasons.

His departure follows controversy over the official report on the deadly Tempi train crash.

In his resignation letter to Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, Papadimitriou affirmed the authority had delivered a “thorough and well-constructed report” that would serve the future of Greek rail safety.

However, he highlighted one unresolved issue: the “fireball” that erupted after the collision, killing several passengers.

Hellenic Air and Rail Accident official resigns amid Tempi train disaster report controversy
Deputy Chairman of the Hellenic Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority (HARSIA), Christos Papadimitriou. Photo: InTime News.

“The only exception concerns the issue of the fireball, which in the unanimous opinion of the council, as stated in the minutes of February 26, 2025, requires further investigation. This is something I have said from the very day the report was presented,” Papadimitriou wrote.

The report, released in late February, attributed the fireball to an “unknown” material, citing input from foreign experts at the Universities of Ghent and Pisa. Those experts have since questioned how their conclusions were represented.

On Monday, Papadimitriou said he would request the removal of any references linking the fireball directly to the collision.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

Greece plans direct election of MPs by diaspora voters

The Greek government plans to create a new electoral district allowing Greeks living abroad to directly elect three members of parliament.

Metropolitan of Florina visits historic Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Preston

Metropolitan Irineos of Florina visits the historic Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Preston during his official visit to Victoria.

Greece wins historic first European Championships medal in men’s water polo

Greece wins its first-ever medal at the European Men’s Water Polo Championships after a dominant 12–5 victory over Italy.

Australia Day message from Archbishop Makarios of Australia

Archbishop Makarios of Australia reflects on unity, diversity and shared values in his message marking Australia Day 2026.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls for unity in Australia Day message

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls for unity, shared responsibility and national pride in his Australia Day message to Australians.

You May Also Like

First-ever Synodal Divine Liturgy held in Sydney for Saint Makarios feast day

The memory of Saint Makarios the Great was honoured with great reverence at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney.

Tom Panos warns of AI ‘speed cameras’ for real estate agents

Tom Panos warns real estate agents to “do the right thing,” saying AI could act like “speed cameras” to enforce NSW’s underquoting crackdown.

On this day: Greece declared bankruptcy in 1893

“Regretfully, we are bankrupt"- The four words Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis uttered in Parliament on December 10, 1893.