Three more people charged over Greece’s deadliest train crash as PM apologises again

·

A railway inspector and two more stationmasters have been charged in connection with Greece’s deadliest train crash at Tempi last week that killed 57 people and injured dozens.

The stationmasters had allegedly ended their work shifts early on the night of the incident, despite traffic being unusually heavy after Greece’s Carnival celebrations. The supervisor has been accused of placing an inexperienced stationmaster on duty at the time of the crash.

According to Ekathimerini, all three are being charged with endangering transport safety and multiple counts of negligent homicide and bodily harm.

Similar charges were levelled on Sunday against the stationmaster who stands accused of making the fatal point switch that saw the passenger train and freight train put on the same track at Tempi. 

News of the indictments filtered through as the Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, held his first cabinet meeting since a period of national mourning.

During the meeting, Mitsotakis promised “absolute transparency” as the inquiry into the tragedy intensified and apologised again for the train crash.

“I want to reiterate a public apology on behalf of those who ruled the country over the years, and mainly personally,” Mitsotakis said during the meeting. “I assume responsibility.”

He said that more than 270 million euros would be invested in railway reform by the end of August.

The crash has stirred protests against a political system which has repeatedly ignored calls by railway unions and EU officials to install digital safety systems and hire more staff.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands rallied outside Parliament in Athens, the northern city of Thessaloniki and other cities across Greece in the largest street demonstrations the conservative government has faced since being elected in 2019.

General elections that had been expected to take place in April have, in the face of the uproar, been rescheduled for May. 

Source: The Guardian and Ekathimerini.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Australian Championship, Movember launch $500k fundraising initiative for men’s health

The Australian Championship and Movember have launched a new fundraising initiative to change the face of men’s health.

Greece launches €2.5 billion plan to secure water supply amid drought threat

Greece has unveiled a €2.5 billion national plan to confront growing water scarcity and safeguard supplies for the coming decades.

Aegean Airlines to launch first direct European flights to Baghdad

Aegean Airlines will launch the first direct flights from Europe to Baghdad on 16 December, marking a new chapter in Greece–Iraq relations.

Greece to launch voluntary conscription for women in 2026

Greece will introduce voluntary conscription for women in 2026, with the creation of a pioneering unit of 100 to 150 recruits.

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

You May Also Like

Greek city to use Christmas money for more ICU beds

the donation to the state-run Serres General Hospital was expected to total 110,000 euros.

Finalists announced for the 1st Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition 2024

The Greek Festival of Sydney has exclusively announced to The Greek Herald the finalists of its ‘1st Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition.’

Turkey issues third NAVTEX for illegal survey activities in East Med

Turkey has issued a new navigational telex (NAVTEX) for the continuation of survey activities of its Oruc Reis vessel until September 12.