The trial of those responsible for Greece’s deadliest crash, the train crash in Tempi that killed 57 people, has been delayed and may not begin until the end of 2025. The delays are attributed to factors such as the growing case file, legal complications, pending autopsy and expert reports, investigations into related footage, and a lawsuit against an investigating judge. Hearings are being pushed back as victims’ relatives request testimonies from additional witnesses and new footage is examined to determine the authenticity of videos showing the moments leading up to the collision.
The investigating judge Sotiris Bakaimis ordered the authenticity of new footage to be examined, which allegedly shows the freight train before the collision with the passenger train. There are concerns that the freight train may have been transporting illegal, flammable materials, sparking a massive explosion after the collision. A forensic investigator hired by victims’ families has alleged that 30 passengers initially survived the crash but perished in the subsequent fire. If the lawsuit against Bakaimis for mishandling evidence moves forward, further delays to the trial are expected.
The long-awaited report into the train crash in Tempi, released in February, blamed human error, ageing railway infrastructure, and systemic failures for the disaster. Poor training and staff shortages were also identified as contributing factors to the collision, which killed 46 passengers, mostly students, and 11 staff members. The report highlighted that the accident could have been avoided if modern safety technologies had been implemented, exposing deep-rooted issues with Greece’s transport infrastructure and institutional failures.
The second anniversary of the train crash was marked by mass protests and a general strike in Greece, with tens of thousands gathering in Athens’ Syntagma Square. Victims’ families have accused the government of mishandling the investigation, and there have been allegations of a cover-up. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government faced a vote of no-confidence, which it survived despite mounting criticisms. The trial delay and the ongoing investigations have intensified the calls for justice and accountability for the victims and their families.
The delays in the trial of those responsible for the train crash in Tempi have raised concerns about the efficacy of Greece’s legal system and the ability to provide closure for the victims’ families. The trial date being pushed back to late 2025 has been attributed to various factors, including the complexity of the case, pending reports, and investigations into related footage. The deep-rooted issues in Greece’s transport infrastructure and institutional failures highlighted by the incident have led to calls for improved safety measures and accountability.
As the trial of those responsible for Greece’s deadliest crash continues to face delays, victims’ families, and the public are seeking justice and answers regarding the train crash in Tempi. The long-awaited report released in February blamed human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures for the disaster that claimed 57 lives. The ongoing investigations, lawsuits, and mounting allegations of a cover-up have further amplified the calls for accountability and transparency in handling the aftermath of the tragedy. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government has faced criticism for its handling of the investigation, and the delayed trial date has fueled frustrations and demands for justice to be served.
