**Greece Erupts in Protests on Anniversary of Train Tragedy**

A general strike rallies thousands across Greece, marking the second anniversary of the deadly train crash that claimed 57 lives.

 

Greece is witnessing one of its largest protest movements in recent years as citizens gather for a general strike to commemorate the second anniversary of a catastrophic rail disaster, which left 57 dead and injured many others. "I am here in memory of those lost in the train crash. We demand justice," expressed 13-year-old Dimitris, who joined his father Petros Polyzos at the rally in Syntagma Square, Athens. The disaster occurred on February 28, 2023, when a packed passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near the Tempi gorge, predominantly carrying students returning from break.

An investigation released findings that attributed the crash to human error and inadequate safety measures. The report from Greece's Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority indicated that the systemic failures responsible for the tragedy had yet to be resolved, highlighting the unsafe conditions that led to the deaths. The chief of the authority, Christos Papadimitriou, stated, "Those children were killed because the train was not safe."

The Tempi disaster has ignited public outrage, with many blaming the conservative government for insufficient transparency and accountability, sparking allegations of a cover-up involving senior officials. The protests attracted citizens of diverse backgrounds, many participating for the first time. The atmosphere intensified around midday, leading to violent clashes with police, as demonstrators threw petrol bombs and police responded with tear gas.

Rallies extended beyond the capital, taking place in 346 cities across Greece including Thessaloniki and Patras, and even resonated in European cities such as Brussels and Rome. Many attendees carried placards with poignant messages, including "My child, call me up when you arrive" and "No cover-up." Dina Gazi, a 62-year-old participant, echoed widespread belief in the government's concealment of those at fault, declaring, "We demand that all evidence come to light."

With the heart of Athens filled with protesters, many local businesses closed their doors in solidarity, while schools were shut down and public transport was severely restricted. Taxis offered free transport to those joining the demonstrations. In a statement on Facebook, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences to the families affected and acknowledged the "fatal human errors coupled with chronic shortcomings of the state." However, this moment marks a challenging period for his administration, with citizens pushing for actions to ensure safer rail transport.

Despite long-standing negligence towards safety improvements, such as the incomplete installation of critical safety systems, allegations continue to surface about possible corruption. Some families of victims suspect that the freight train might have been involved in smuggling operations, complicating the investigation further. Government officials have denied any efforts to obscure the investigation results, despite mounting accusations of mishandling evidence at the crash site.

Pavlos Aslanidis, whose 26-year-old son perished in the accident, shared his story amidst the protest, saying, "I don't know how I find the strength to stand. My son gives me the strength. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here today demanding justice." The collective demand for accountability underscores the urgent need for sweeping reforms in Greece's rail safety protocols.