The rallies and strikes on Crete, as well as the results of the investigation into the Tempi rail accident two years ago.
General strike and protest rallies
Today, the country observes a nationwide strike to mark two years since the tragic events at the railway in Tempes, with demonstrations taking place in 223 cities across Greece and 82 abroad. This mobilisation reflects a significant social response to a tragedy that profoundly affected many families.
The General Confederation of Greek Labour (GSEE) and the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY) have jointly declared a full-day strike, supported by various trade federations.
As part of this initiative, there will be gatherings across cities in Greece.
All public transport systems, unions, federations, associations, and various organisations have committed to participating, showing solidarity and expressing their sorrow for the loss of many lives in this disaster.
Various business federations have also urged their members to join the strike, honouring the victims of the Tempes tragedy.
Trade union bodies have initiated this strike action, aiming to ensure that justice is served for those lost.
Disruptions at Sea and in the Air
All ships have been docked at ports due to a 24-hour strike called by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) starting from midnight on February 28th.
This is a clear manifestation of support for the wider protest movements across the country.
Air traffic controllers will participate in this strike, which will result in grounded planes for the day.
During the mobilisation, only critical flights will be permitted to operate, such as those carrying heads of state, military operations, or dealing with emergencies.
Protests Across Crete
Strikes are also expected in all four regions of Crete, with assemblies planned in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, and Sitia.
Various organisations and unions are actively calling on community members to participate in these significant demonstrations.
The Labour Centre of Heraklion is reaching out to workers, retirees, and unemployed individuals, urging them to partake in a rally scheduled for Friday at 11 AM in Freedom Square.
Rally Points in Crete:
-
Agios Nikolaos: 11 AM, Agios Nikolaos Square
-
Heraklion: 11 AM, Freedom Square
-
Chania: 11 AM, City Hall
-
Rethymno: 11 AM, 25th March Square
-
Ierapetra: 11 AM, Ierapetra Square
-
Sitia: 11 AM, Sitia Square
These coordinated actions underline the collective demand for justice and accountability, targeting the systemic issues that led to this railway catastrophe.
The tragic loss of 57 individuals, primarily young people, has galvanized public sentiment and brought various sectors of society together in a movement advocating for change.
In the capital, Athens, thousands are expected to march, carrying banners and chanting slogans that resonate with their call for justice.
The social implications of this disaster continue to unfold, sparking discussions about safety measures, infrastructure oversight, and the responsibility of authorities.
The demonstrations are not just about commemorating the victims; they also serve to highlight broader societal concerns about the state of public transport in Greece.
Participants assert that such tragedies must lead to meaningful reforms to ensure that safety is prioritised.
The atmosphere at these protests is charged but peaceful, with participants emphasising unity and solidarity.
Workers from various sectors, including students and labour unions, are joining together to voice their demands.
Events like these illustrate a crucial moment in Greek society, as individuals across different walks of life come together to seek justice for what happened in Tempes.
The long-lasting impact of this tragedy remains a focal point for ongoing conversations about accountability and reform in transport safety.
In various towns, local communities have rallied to support the families of victims, reinforcing the need for enduring solidarity and support.
The participation of diverse groups highlights the shared values of compassion and remembrance, as they come together to reflect on the profound loss experienced by many.
While the protests aim to honour those who lost their lives, they also strive to bring about necessary changes in the system to prevent future incidents.
Demonstrators are calling for transparency and thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to ensure that justice is served appropriately.
Organisers have made it clear that these collective actions are designed not only to remember those lost but also to push for substantive changes in policies that affect public transport and safety standards.
The energy of the crowd reflects a deep-seated desire for accountability and reform.
As mobilisations continue throughout the country, a strong sense of purpose has emerged among participants.
They are united in their quest for justice, demanding that those responsible for the tragedy face consequences for their actions.
The events at Tempes have ignited a powerful movement in Greece, with people from all corners standing in solidarity with the victims’ families.
As discussions progress, this tragedy remains at the forefront of national consciousness, prompting a crucial dialogue around safety reforms and community responsibility.
In Heraklion, the turnout has been particularly strong, with locals eager to join the calls for justice.
Organisers expect that increased participation will bolster their message and strengthen their resolve to see change implemented.
Across Crete and beyond, the atmosphere is one of shared grief and determination.
As the crowds gather at designated points, there is a palpable sense of camaraderie and commitment to the cause.
Social media has played a pivotal role in mobilising support for these actions, allowing people to share information and show their solidarity from afar.
The reach of these protests has transcended geographical boundaries, engaging both domestic and international observers.
With such widespread engagement, the calls for justice and reform are resonating well beyond Greece’s borders.
The tragedy at Tempes has become a reference point for discussions on transport safety and accountability in various contexts.
The legacy of those who lost their lives in this tragic event continues to inspire action and dialogue.
The ongoing demonstrations reflect a deep commitment from the public to ensure that their voices are heard and that meaningful change occurs.
As public interest in the outcomes of these protests grows, participants remain steadfast in their mission.
They are determined to keep the memories of the victims alive and to ensure that future generations will not face similar tragedies due to negligence or oversight.
With each passing event, the importance of this cause resonates more profoundly within the community, encouraging new voices to join the conversation.
The protests not only honour the fallen but also serve as a powerful reminder of the role of community in advocating for justice and reform.
Official Results of the Investigation into the Tempi Rail Accident
The investigation into the Tempi rail accident revealed a series of serious issues within the railway system.
The National Organisation for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAM) published a detailed report, analysing various factors that contributed to the tragedy.
This report, comprising 178 pages, highlighted chronic problems, human errors, omissions, and the weaknesses of the railway infrastructure.
Key Findings
The investigation found that the conditions leading to the collision on 28 February 2023 were a combination of numerous shortcomings within the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE).
The organisation faced significant cuts and austerity measures over the years, which led to a decline in the maintenance of railway assets.
Staff shortages resulted in a heavy workload for remaining employees, severely affecting operational efficiency.
As a result, the maintenance of control systems, signalling, and other safety infrastructure was almost non-existent.
Moreover, the EODASAM report indicated that OSE’s management of station masters was inadequate.
It failed to ensure that these individuals possessed the necessary skills and training to perform safety-critical tasks effectively.
Evidence showed that the company did not provide ongoing training for drivers in essential communication and safety protocols.
This lack of proper training contributed to the poor decision-making that night, leading up to the accident.
Circumstances of the Collision
On the night of the accident, a pivotal factor was the actions of the Station Master.
He did not utilise the automated method to set the route for the IC-62 train, which would have properly ensured the safe departure from the Larissa station.
The situation was compounded by various technical failures that increased the complexities of his responsibilities.
The emotional pressure on the Station Master, having already faced another operational mistake that same day, further impaired his ability to manage the unfolding situation effectively.
The investigation identified that the collision at 23:18 resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals, with many victims suffering severe injuries due to the impact of the two trains colliding without adequate safety measures.
The collision unfolded violently, creating a massive fireball shortly after they collided. It was determined that the numerous fatalities were primarily due to the collision itself.
Despite the intense fire, the report pointed out that there was no clear evidence indicating that the trains’ technical equipment was responsible for the fireball that ensued after the collision.
Investigation simulations suggested the potential presence of an unidentified fuel, raising additional questions regarding the nature of the fire.
It will be essential to assess whether improved fire-resistant materials could have helped save lives among those injured in the initial impact but later succumbed to the flames.
Psychological Impact
The consequences of the accident extended beyond the physical injuries and fatalities.
A Psychological Impact Study was conducted, highlighting a significant risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among those directly affected by the incident.
The findings indicated that many individuals were unable to gain timely access to psychological support services, which could have mitigated the onset of PTSD symptoms.
Notably, a quarter of participants in the study reported experiencing severe levels of distress.
Recommendations for Improvement
In light of the findings, the report concluded with 17 recommendations aimed at improving railway safety in Greece.
Among these recommendations was the proposal to create a new, unified public entity that consolidates various railway bodies, including OSE and ERGOSE.
This aims to resolve existing gaps in accountability and improve coordination among the organisations involved in railway safety management.
Furthermore, the report suggested that the Greek government should sign a contract with OSE to increase annual funding from €45 million to €75 million.
Clear definitions of rights and obligations between the government and OSE were called for, ensuring greater financial support for railway maintenance and improvement.
Staffing levels were another crucial aspect of the recommendations, with authorities proposing an increase in personnel within OSE, RAS, EODASAM, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Increased staffing is essential to ensure these organisations can fulfil their safety mandates effectively, especially after the passing of Law 5167 in December 2024.
The report also called for the preparation of both a Strategic and Operational Plan and an Investment Plan to enhance rail transport in Greece.
Collaborations with the European Investment Bank (EIB) were suggested to secure funding for these improvements.
Another significant recommendation was to establish a national investigation body (EODASAM), adequately resourced to conduct thorough investigations of severe rail accidents independently.
Finally, clarifying the overlapping responsibilities for railway safety between the RAS and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport was deemed necessary to streamline accountability and improve overall safety standards.
The results of this investigation underscore the need for immediate and decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The findings and recommendations signal an opportunity for Greek railways to enhance their safety protocols, procedural effectiveness, and overall infrastructure resilience.
Continued oversight and a strong commitment to change will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring safer rail travel for all in Greece.
