Greece's Lingering Rail Safety Issues: A Year After Tragedy

Greece's worst rail disaster in 2023 exposed critical safety flaws. Investigators highlight the need for reforms to prevent future tragedies. The collision near Larissa killed 57, prompting recommendations to improve infrastructure and protocols. An anniversary protest and ongoing judicial probe continue to press for accountability.

A tragic rail disaster in Greece, the worst in 2023, underscored significant and ongoing safety issues within the country's transportation infrastructure, investigators revealed on Thursday.

The accident, which occurred on February 28, 2023, involved a passenger train from Athens colliding head-on with a freight train from Thessaloniki near Larissa, resulting in 57 fatalities, primarily students. The Greek Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority (HARSIA) concluded their first national probe, revealing systemic flaws.

HARSIA, led by Christos Papadimitriou, provided 17 crucial recommendations targeting the railway regulator, Hellenic Train, and government agencies responsible for improving safety standards. This includes hiring and training staff, renewing assets, and deploying recording equipment for future incident analysis. The judicial investigation remains ongoing as the nation prepares for mass demonstrations on the disaster's anniversary.

(With inputs from agencies.)