İskeçe marks third anniversary of Tempi Train Disaster with Peaceful Mass Rally

Thousands gathered peacefully in İskeçe on Saturday to commemorate the third anniversary of the deadly Tempi train disaster, which claimed 57 lives and remains the deadliest railway accident in modern Greek history.

The central square of the northern Greek city filled with citizens of all ages, labor unions, and student associations responding to calls for a memorial demonstration demanding justice and systemic reform.

The dominant message echoed throughout the rally: “We do not forget, we do not forgive.”

Youth at the Forefront of Commemoration
Particularly striking was the presence of young people and university students — many of them the same age as the victims — who led the march in a powerful show of solidarity.

The 2023 collision near Tempi in central Greece killed 57 people, most of them students returning to university after a holiday break. The tragedy sparked nationwide protests over rail safety, infrastructure failures, and institutional accountability.

Before speeches began, the crowd observed a minute of silence in absolute stillness, honoring the victims.

Calls for Accountability and Transport Safety Reform
Speakers emphasized that, three years on, the demand for full accountability and meaningful institutional reforms remains unresolved. Organizers called for stronger infrastructure oversight, transparency, and guarantees to prevent similar disasters in the future.

“The right to safe transportation is non-negotiable,” student representatives stated, underscoring that public safety must not be compromised.

The rally concluded with a peaceful march through the city’s main streets. No incidents were reported, and police maintained a discreet presence throughout the event.

Collective Memory Remains Strong
Saturday’s mobilization demonstrated that public memory of the Tempi tragedy remains vivid in Greek society. For many in İskeçe, the commemoration was both a tribute to the 57 victims and a renewed pledge to pursue justice, safety, and respect for human life.

As Greece continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, civic engagement around the issue shows no signs of fading.