Metropolis of Larissa for Tempe train crash: “There is urgent need for justice”
The Holy Metropolis of Larissa and Tyrnavos issued a statement expressing its profound satisfaction with the peaceful rally held in the central square of Larissa, which addressed the tragic train crash in Tempe. The Metropolis characterised the accident as a “crime” and emphasised the urgent need for justice and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“With the deepest satisfaction, the Holy Metropolis attended the peaceful rally in the central square of our city, on the case of Tempe, an accident that developed into a crime,” the announcement stated, underscoring the gravity of the incident.
The rally saw participation from numerous clergy, associates of the Metropolis, and youth work leaders, reflecting the strong will of the local community for justice and accountability. While His Eminence Metropolitan Ieronymos of Larissa was absent due to commitments in the Holy Metropolis of Servia and Kozani, the Metropolis emphasised the rally’s importance as a call for respecting human life, particularly by the state and its institutions.
In its announcement, the Metropolis urged vigilance and the awakening of collective consciences. “We hope that the dynamic voice of society will pierce the armor of indifference and complacency, raising consciences, for a hopeful tomorrow to dawn,” the statement concluded.
What happened in Tempe
It is recalled that on 28 February 2023, a tragic head-on collision occurred between two trains south of the Tempe Valley in Greece. The collision involved the InterCity 62 (IC62) passenger train and an intermodal freight train, resulting in the loss of at least 57 lives, among an official count of 342 passengers. Several factors contributed to the accident, including the failure to implement the European Train Control System (ETCS) as originally scheduled for 2020, with its deployment delayed until late 2023. Additionally, in 2019, telematics in Larissa ceased functioning due to a summer wildfire and remained unresolved. This collision marked a tragic culmination following a series of other rail incidents that fortunately had no casualties.
Accountability still pending for Tempe train crash
According to politico.eu, as of 27 January 2025, no ministers or high-ranking officials have been brought before the court in connection with the Tempe train crash that occurred on 28 February 2023. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office had recommended action against two former transport ministers, but the Greek government dismissed this call.
In response, families of the victims have been actively seeking justice. On 16 May 2023, relatives filed a criminal lawsuit against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other officials.
Additionally, on 26 January 2025, tens of thousands of Greeks protested outside parliament in Athens, demanding accountability for the 57 victims of the crash. Similar demonstrations occurred in over 100 cities across Greece and abroad, reflecting widespread frustration over the perceived lack of progress in the investigation and accountability.
Source: orthodoxtimes.com
Photographs: EUROKINISSI
