‘We Won’t Forget’: Thousands march for Tempe train victims in Greece

·

In a powerful display of public demand for accountability, tens of thousands of individuals convened in Athens’ Syntagma Square on Sunday, seeking justice for the 57 lives lost in the tragic Tempe train disaster nearly two years prior.

Demonstrators held placards bearing messages like ‘We won’t forget’ and ‘I have no oxygen,’ the latter reflecting the poignant final words of a victim during an emergency call, recently highlighted in local media.

‘We are here and we will not stop … until those responsible are held accountable,’ stated Maria Karistianou, whose 20-year-old daughter died in the 2023 train crash.

The largely peaceful protest, among the most significant in the capital in recent years, saw brief confrontations between participants and law enforcement. Parallel demonstrations unfolded in various cities across Greece.

The catastrophic head-on collision between a passenger train, carrying numerous students, and a freight train occurred just before midnight on February 28, 2023, on the route linking Athens to Thessaloniki. This incident ignited widespread protests nationwide, with many citizens asserting that it underscored systemic neglect of the rail infrastructure following a prolonged financial crisis.

Nearly two years later, the precise causes of death for many victims remain undetermined. Families have accused authorities of attempting to conceal evidence, a claim the government denies. ‘Two years after the tragedy, no one has been punished, no one is in prison,’ expressed Ilias Papangelis. Some protesters chanted ‘Murderers’ during the rally.

The center-right government, re-elected after the crash, maintains that it is the judiciary’s responsibility to investigate the causes. Despite pledging to reform the rail system, the European Commission has noted that progress has been slow. The recent nomination of former parliament speaker Constantine Tassoul has further angered victims’ relatives, who argue that under his leadership, lawmakers failed to examine any political accountability.

An expert report commissioned by the victims’ families revealed that the crash resulted in a massive fireball, though the cause remains unclear. Leaked audio evidence suggested that approximately 30 of the 57 victims were still alive immediately after the Thessaloniki-bound intercity train collided with a freight train.

These recent protests underscore the enduring grief and anger among the victims’ families and the broader public, as they continue to seek accountability and justice for the tragic event.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

GCM welcomes $1.8 million funding announcement by Senator David Van

The Greek Community of Melbourne welcomes $1.8 million funding announcement by the Victorian Senator David Van.

Reflections: What does Mother’s Day mean to me?

This is what my mum and my grandmother taught me. Then my mother-in law joined in. To look past the flowers and cherish the drawings and the soft cuddles.

Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Australia’s United Cup due to injury

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the inaugural United Cup due to injury, less than 24 hours before the start of the tournament.