In a show of solidarity and outrage, Greeks have taken to the streets to mark the second anniversary of a tragic train disaster that claimed 57 lives. The protests, featuring the largest turnout in years, encompass a general strike, emphasizing the public's demand for justice and accountability from officials. “I am here in memory of the people who were killed in the train crash. We demand justice,” declared 13-year-old Dimitris, who attended the rally with his father, Petros Polyzos, in Athens' bustling Syntagma Square.
The catastrophe unfolded on February 28, 2023, when a packed passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near the Tempi gorge in-central Greece. An inquiry released last week attributed the disaster to a combination of human error, maintenance failures, and inadequate staff. Christos Papadimitriou, chief of Greece's Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority, stated, “Those children were killed because the train was not safe”, further adding that crucial safety failings remain unresolved.
The disaster stirred deep resentment among the populace towards the conservative government, which many believe has not done enough to investigate the causes. Protesters demand transparency regarding the roles of high-ranking officials who might have been implicated in the events leading to the tragedy.
The protests drew citizens of all ages and backgrounds, with many saying it was their first time participating in such an event. However, tensions escalated with instances of violence as protesters clashed with police, throwing petrol bombs while law enforcement retaliated with tear gas.
Across Greece, rallies were held in 346 cities, including Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Patras and Larissa, as well as several cities throughout Europe such as Brussels and Rome. One mother, Dina Gazi, held white balloons bearing the names of those who lost their lives that fateful night. “I firmly believe that the government is covering up those responsible for the accident,” she expressed, insisting the truth must come to light.
As shops downed shutters in solidarity and public services came to a halt, taxi drivers volunteered their services for free to transport attendees to the protests. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis extended his condolences in a Facebook post, acknowledging the families of the victims while facing increasing scrutiny over his government’s handling of railway safety and corruption in the system.
In the aftermath, grave allegations emerged suggesting the site of the accident was not properly secured, leading to the disappearance of key evidence. Despite the uproar, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis denied any cover-up, although doubts linger among the public.
As protesters like Pavlos Aslanidis, who lost his 26-year-old son Dimitris in the tragedy, unite with the thousands demanding justice, a profound message seems clear: accountability is vital for healing and ensuring safety in Greece's future transport systems.
