Greece: Mass Protests Mark Anniversary of Tempi Train Crash
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Athens and across Greece to mark the second anniversary of the tragic Tempi railway disaster that claimed 57 lives. Protesters voiced their frustration, alleging a government cover-up and demanding justice for the victims.
Clashes Between Protesters and Riot Police
Greek riot police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse a smaller group of demonstrators who threw Molotov cocktails and stones. Authorities reported that between 500 and 700 people were involved in the riots, leading to over 80 arrests. Protests were also reported in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city.
The clashes left several injured, including a photographer who was hit in the head by a stun grenade. Greece's ambulance service confirmed that at least nine people were taken to the hospital.
Nationwide Protest and General Strike
More than 170,000 people protested in Athens, while an estimated 325,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide. Accompanying the protests, Greece’s private-sector unions launched a 24-hour general strike, which paralyzed public transport, closed government offices, and shut down schools. Shops and businesses across the country also shut their doors for several hours in solidarity.
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), the largest private-sector union, said the strike was called to demand accountability, stating, "So that the rule of law can finally be implemented; so that there is no cover-up; so that those responsible are punished."
Remembering the Tempi Railway Disaster
The disaster occurred when a passenger train traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki collided head-on with a freight train. The crash resulted in the deaths of 57 people, many of whom were students, and left several others injured. Investigations revealed that both trains had traveled toward each other for miles without triggering any alarms.
Government Faces Backlash Amid Cover-Up Allegations
Polls indicate that between 70-80% of Greeks believe that the government has concealed critical evidence regarding the disaster. Reports funded by victims’ families suggest that the freight train may have been carrying an illegal, unreported load of explosive chemicals—claims that the Hellenic Train operator has denied.
The Greek government has rejected accusations of a cover-up, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissing calls for his resignation. He has accused critics of attempting to "destabilize" the country. Meanwhile, Greece’s opposition parties are preparing to call for a no-confidence vote against the government next week.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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