Greece Erupts in Protests Marking Second Anniversary of Train Tragedy

Two years after the Tempi rail disaster, Greeks are joining the largest protests in recent history, demanding justice and accountability, amid claims of government cover-ups and safety failures.

In a powerful expression of grief and anger, thousands of Greeks took to the streets on the second anniversary of the devastating Tempi train crash, where 57 lives were lost due to human error and systemic failures. The protest, held in Athens's Syntagma Square, is being dubbed one of the nation's largest gatherings in years, as citizens rally for justice and remembrance. “I am here to honor those who lost their lives,” expressed 13-year-old Dimitris, who came with his father Petros Polyzos.

The tragic crash occurred on February 28, 2023, when a packed passenger train collided with a freight train near the Tempi gorge, primarily impacting students returning from holiday. The Greek Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority recently issued a report attributing the incident to human oversight, subpar maintenance practices, and inadequate staffing, highlighting ongoing safety concerns that prompted this outpouring of public anger.

Demonstrators have accused the conservative government of failing to address accountability issues and are demanding transparency surrounding the incident. Across the nation, protests erupted in 346 cities, with similar rallies also taking place in major European cities, including Brussels and Rome. Despite clashes between protesters and police—marking the day with escalating tensions—vigilante calls for justice echoed throughout the crowds.

Dina Gazi, holding white balloons inscribed with victims' names, expressed suspicion of a cover-up by the government regarding the crash’s causes, calling for the release of all evidence. Many participants reported feeling a sense of collective grief, resulting in workplace shutdowns and school closures, emphasizing the widespread impact of this tragedy on the nation’s psyche.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, facing unprecedented political scrutiny, acknowledged the failings of the state while vowing to accelerate improvements to railway safety. Amidst allegations of missing evidence and improper handling of the crash site, government officials adamantly denied any wrongdoing, intensifying the already palpable public fury. As the cries for justice resonate, many families continue to grapple with their loss, fueled by the belief that accountability is yet to be fully achieved. The enduring impact of the Tempi disaster serves as a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform in Greece's transportation safety protocols.