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

What happens to a lease in Greece when a landlord dies?

When a landlord passes away, their rights and obligations do not disappear. Instead, they are transferred to their heirs.

Australian and US Greeks drive international demand for The Ellinikon

Residential developments at The Ellinikon continue to attract strong international interest, with buyers coming from more than 110 countries.

Greek school opens in Tanzania, reviving language and culture

The newly established Greek school of the Greek community in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, began operating this year.

Shoulder season travel to Europe gains ground among Australians

The annual stream of European summer holiday photos now seems to stretch well beyond the traditional peak.

Echoes from the past: Bust of the Roman Emperor Hadrian

No other Roman emperor was so influenced by Greek culture, and in return no other Roman shaped Athens so much.

You May Also Like

Cheong Liew: From accidental grill chef at ‘The Iliad’ to Australia’s culinary icon

He speaks passionately about the use of lemon and olive oil like a Greek would do. But Cheong Liew’s relationship with the Greek cuisine is a deeper one.

Greek and Romanian leaders discuss bilateral relations and Ukraine crisis

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, paid an official visit to Romania on Wednesday and met with the country's PM and President.

Koutsantonis MP to lead motion to recognise Greek Genocide Remembrance Day in SA

Tom Koutsantonis MP will pass a motion next week for SA to recognise May 19 as the official day of remembrance of the Greek Pontian genocide.