Greece railway disaster due to chronic safety gaps, investigation discoveries

The first investigation of a national authority also indicated the possible presence of an “unknown fuel”.

The worst railway disaster in Greece in 2023 was due to chronic safety gaps that still need to be addressed to prevent repeat, investigators said the day before the second anniversary of the tragedy.

The investigation by the National Aviation Investigation Agency and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (Harsia), the first by the Greek authorities that ended, investigated the causes of the accident that killed 57 people as a passenger train, and a freight train collided near Larissa.

The incident of February 28, 2023, led to a public outrage and determined the widespread demonstrations, while the victims’ families accused the authorities of trying to cover evidence. The accident led to a huge fire ball and an explosion of unclear origin.

Harsia said that most victims died in the accident, but until seven were killed by the fire.

The report indicated the “possible presence” of an “unknown fuel” on the spot.

A previous investigation of experts, funded by the families of the victims, claimed that the freight train was carrying an illegal load and not reported by explosive chemicals, which contributed to a large number of death.

The Hellenic operator owned by Italian property refused knowledge about any illegal merchandise.

Christi Papadimitriou, Harsia’s chief, described the report as an x -ray of the railway system that would help approach the deficiencies.

The agency mentioned that the dramatic discounts imposed during the Greek economic crisis 2009-18 have greatly undermined the country’s railway network, both in staff and other resources. He added that the organization of Greek state railways, or OSE, “stretching the limits of the operational personnel beyond what is acceptable in a sustainable way.”

In addition, the Hellenic Train operator “could not show that they have implemented continuous training, especially for safety communications and relevant non-technical skills.”

Harsia has elaborated 17 recommendations for the railway regulatory authority, the Greek train, OSE and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

It is expected that a judicial investigation will end this year.

The Friday anniversary will be marked by strikes and hundreds of protests in Greece and abroad.