Train crash wreckage cleared as Greece seeks EU rail funds

·

The final sections of wreckage from a deadly train crash last week at Tempi in northern Greece were cleared by recovery crews on Monday.

Heavy construction machinery was used to move remaining parts of shattered rail cars at Tempi, where 57 people were killed in the February 28 crash. Twelve people remain hospitalised with injuries, five of them in serious condition.

Wreckage is being cleared at the crash site. Photo: AMNA.

According to Ekathimerini, one of the victims was identified on Monday as a 33-year-old man from Bangladesh, after his family came forward via a lawyer. Until now, it had not been possible to identify his body as there had been no comparative DNA sample.

The 33-year-old had been working in Greece for the last 10 years selling costume jewellery and had visited Athens for work when he was caught up in the train collision.

Greece seeks help from European Union:

Amid this deadly tragedy, the Greek government has requested assistance from other European governments to modernise safety procedures on the nation’s relatively limited rail network.

In a Twitter post on Monday, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had spoken with Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about how the bloc can provide support.

The EU leader said experts from the EU Agency for Railways would visit Greece this week to help.

“Rail safety is paramount,” von der Leyen said in her tweet.

Widespread protests held in Greece:

Anti-government protests erupted across Greece after the train crash, including a rolling strike by rail workers that has shut down the network.

According to Reuters, rail workers will be joined by government workers, teachers and students on Wednesday for a major day of protest.

On Monday, protesters placed empty chairs with red carnations outside the Greek Ministry of Transport, and held placards reading “Our lives matter” and “Murderers.”

A boy lights a candle outside a court in Larissa city on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Photo: AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras.

Relatives of victim testify in court:

Family members of two people who died in the rail collision testified before the investigating Larissa prosecutor on Monday.

Earlier, a 59-year-old station manager was charged with negligent homicide and was jailed late Sunday pending trial.

This comes as the head of the Larissa Appeals Court Prosecutors’ office, Stamatis Daskalopoulos, on Monday officially requested that the Larissa Appeals Justices’ Council convene in full to decide on the appointment of an appellate-level examining magistrate to investigate the Tempi rail crash, due to the seriousness of the case.

Source: AP News, Reuters, Ekathimerini.

READ MORE: Greek communities in Australia send condolences after Greece’s deadly train crash

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Teen star Sam Konstas earns first Cricket Australia contract

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener from New South Wales, has been awarded his first Cricket Australia contract for the 2025–26 season.

Brisbane taverna owner John Theoharis disqualified from driving after licence breach

John Theoharis, co-owner of Brisbane’s popular Lefkas Taverna, has been fined $300 and disqualified from driving for three months.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in talks to buy the Sydney Kings

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is in talks to buy a stake in the Sydney Kings — with plans to rename the team the ‘Spartan Kings.’

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

You May Also Like

European Medicines Agency approves cancer treatment developed by Greek researchers

The EMA has approved a new treatment combination for bone marrow cancer that was developed by a team of Greek researchers.

Bill Papas’ Xanthi FC shares have been frozen by Greek authorities

Alleged fraudster, Bill Papas, has had his shares in Greek football club Xanthi FC frozen, local Greek media has reported.

Angela Vithoulkas among candidates vying for Sydney Lord Mayor

Angela Vithoulkas is part of an all-female group of candidates lining up to dethrone Clover Moore as Sydney Lord Mayor.