Thousands Demand Justice in Athens for Tragic Tempe Train Crash
Tens of thousands of people gathered today on Sintagma Central Square in Athens, marking one of the largest demonstrations in recent years. The protest, organized by the Association of Victims’ families, demanded justice for the Tempe train crash in 2023, which claimed 57 lives and left dozens injured, as reported by the Greek newspaper Kathimerini.
The tragic incident occurred shortly before midnight on February 28, 2023, near Larissa, Central Greece, when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train. Most of the victims were young students returning to universities in Thessaloniki.The protest,under the slogan “I have no air”,saw participation from 97 cities across Greece and 13 cities worldwide. The demonstrations followed the release of audio recordings earlier this week, revealing that approximately 30 of the 57 victims were still alive after the collision. The recordings, made from the phones of students who called the emergency number 112, captured desperate cries for help and attempts to breathe.
According to Kathimerini, the recordings suggest that many victims likely died from suffocation or burns caused by a massive explosion and fire following the collision. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
The crowd in Athens began gathering long after the protest’s scheduled start time of 12 pm local time. The demonstration was largely peaceful, though it was occasionally punctuated by chants of “killers! Killers!” The dense crowd made movement nearly unfeasible, leading to one woman fainting, as reported by Kathimerini.Greek police, quoted by AFP, initially estimated the number of protesters in Athens at 12,000, which later swelled to “more than 30,000”. The total number of protesters in Athens and Thessaloniki reached 40,000. However, the peaceful protest was marred by clashes between riot police and some demonstrators.
key Details of the Tempe Train Crash and Protests
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date of Crash | February 28, 2023 |
| Location | Tempe, near Larissa, Central Greece |
| Casualties | 57 deaths, dozens injured |
| Main Victims | Young students returning to Thessaloniki |
| protest slogan | “I have no air” |
| Protest Locations | 97 cities in Greece, 13 cities worldwide |
| Athens Protesters | Over 30,000 |
| Total Protesters | 40,000 (Athens and Thessaloniki) |
The Tempe train crash has left a deep scar on Greece, with families and citizens demanding accountability and justice. The release of the harrowing audio recordings has only intensified calls for transparency and action.For the latest updates on this developing story, visit StandartNews.com.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures and accountability in public transportation. As the protests continue, the voices of the victims and their families echo across Greece and beyond, demanding answers and justice.
