Greece observed a general strike on the second anniversary of its worst railway disaster, which has become a symbol of governmental incompetence and lack of accountability. During this strike, all government services, banks, and businesses closed, and no ships, trains, or planes operated within Greece, a level of disruption not seen since the financial crisis following 2009.

An independent accident investigation released on Thursday highlighted chronic equipment failures and human errors within Greece’s railway system, which led to a fatal collision in the Tempe gorge in northern Greece, killing 57 people. The majority of these victims were young individuals returning to university in Thessaloniki after a weekend.

Relatives of the deceased and the broader public see the event as a crime rather than an accident, demanding accountability from politicians. Among the narratives is that of Nikos Plakias, who lost two daughters in the crash and insists that the girls’ deaths could have been prevented had they not moved to a car without tickets due to the desire to sit together.

The Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority has found Greece’s rail safety culture and practice outdated, exacerbated by government mismanagement during the financial crisis. Essential maintenance contracts, such as the EU-funded Contract 717 aimed at improving safety measures, were not adequately implemented.

The investigation also points out the direct responsibility of senior officials and missing train safety protocols as major contributors to the disaster. The ruling conservative New Democracy party faces accusations of attempting to cover up the scandal, including hasty site cleanup that might have destroyed evidence.

The struggle over justice and accountability continues to resonate with the Greek public, fueling widespread anger towards the government perceived as more interested in protecting its political allies than ensuring public safety. The tragic loss has ignited a movement advocating for safer transportation conditions and political accountability.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/28/anger-mounts-as-greece-remembers-deadliest-train-crash-two-years-on?traffic_source=rss