20,000 rally in Athens for 57 victims of Tempi train crash
The demonstration took place in Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament, marking three years since the February 28, 2023 crash in the Tempi area, where two trains traveling in opposite directions on the same track collided.
Families Demand Justice and Transparency
Relatives of the victims addressed the crowd from a stage set up opposite Parliament, recounting their ongoing grief and urging authorities to ensure that responsibility for the disaster is fully established.
Participants called for those found accountable to face justice and for no attempt to obscure or downplay the causes of the tragedy.
The Tempi collision, which occurred near Larisa in central Greece, triggered nationwide protests at the time and intensified scrutiny of rail safety standards, signaling systems, and infrastructure management across the country.
Tensions at the End of the Rally
According to estimates from the Hellenic Police, roughly 20,000 demonstrators attended the rally.
Toward the end of the event, tensions flared when a small masked group reportedly threw water bottles and other objects at police officers. Police responded with stun grenades to disperse the disturbance.
The majority of the demonstration remained peaceful.
A Tragedy That Reshaped Public Debate
The Tempi train crash remains a defining moment in Greece’s recent history, prompting reforms in transportation oversight and ongoing legal proceedings.
Three years on, families of the 57 victims continue to press for full transparency, judicial accountability, and systemic changes to prevent similar disasters in the future.
