Greece Urges Immediate Supply of Oxygen

Two years have passed since the devastating Tempi train disaster, Greece's deadliest train accident, which took the lives of 57 people on February 28, 2023. The tragedy, which occurred when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train outside Larissa, resulting in a massive explosion and fire, has left a lasting impact on the nation.

The aftermath of this tragedy has been marked by protests and calls for justice. The latest demonstrations were sparked by the conclusion of the official investigation last week, which caused outrage due to the latest autopsy report by the fire service ignoring the findings of the State Chemical Laboratory.

Maria Karystianou, mother of one of the victims and president of the association of victims and their relatives, spoke at the central rally in Athens. She thanked everyone who came to support the families and demanded justice. However, she expressed concern that the trial, which is yet to commence, may end in a fiasco and those responsible for the disaster will be concealed.

The report of an independent investigative commission points to the presence of flammable chemicals in the freight train - xylol and toluene - hydrocarbons used as solvents, which were being carried despite safety regulations. This finding has led to criticism of the prime minister for allegedly downplaying responsibility in structural rail infrastructure issues and crisis management.

The political handling of the issue remains contentious. In Athens, police used tear gas against protesters towards the end of the demonstration, while in Thessaloniki, over 3000 police officers were deployed to secure the conservative prime minister's appearance. According to video reports and eyewitness accounts, Greek riot police MAT used tear gas and stun grenades in cafes.

The tragedy is seen as the result of decades of neglect in the Greek railway network and a symbol of a crumbling state. The mistake by the station master led the trains onto the same track. Investigations revealed systemic flaws, including outdated infrastructure, inadequate safety systems, and human error.

The current Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is facing criticism for allegedly downplaying responsibility in structural rail infrastructure issues and crisis management, and his party's role in hindering a parliamentary investigation into the Tempi train disaster. However, search results do not explicitly mention Mitsotakis's involvement in those specific allegations.

Despite the ongoing controversy, tens of thousands of people gathered in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other Greek cities on Saturday to demand clarification regarding the Tempi train disaster. Maria Karystianou stated that the crime of Tempi affects the whole society, not just 56 families. The families and supporters continue their fight for justice, hoping to bring light to the dark chapter in Greece's history.