After the serious train accident in Greece, solidarity is growing – long queues formed in the center of Larissa, where people were queuing to donate blood. Just a few kilometers away, a passenger train and a freight train collided head-on on Wednesday – a tragedy that killed at least 57 people and injured more than 70.
“We may face big challenges, but there is compassion and love for those around us. As you can see, a lot of young people have come here to support us. We are always ready to help,” says a local woman.
Willingness to help: this is what the Greek Red Cross wanted to achieve with this multifaceted operation. Meanwhile, the employees are satisfied that 270 blood bags were donated on the first day alone.
“Unfortunately, we are in a difficult and sad situation. But we also see the beautiful side of humanity and solidarity. People are here to donate blood, to give what they have,” says Evgenia Gogou from the Red Cross in Greece.
The willingness to donate blood for the injured is great. The National Blood Transfusion Center of Greece has appealed to everyone for help, pointing out that available centers are shown on an interactive map on its website.
“Community efforts continue and people are helping. Everyone hopes that solidarity is not just an achievement in tragic circumstances,” commented Euronews journalist Apostolos Staikos.
Meanwhile, the salvage work at the scene of the accident – despite the bad weather – has been going on since the early hours of the morning. The task force’s work is concentrated on the third wagon, which housed the on-board restaurant.
“We are now at the point where the train car is being lifted up behind me with the help of cranes to see what is underneath and inside,” explains Konstantinos Imanimidis, who leads the Red Cross rescue team at the scene.
Only the injured in the intensive care unit are in critical condition. Most of the injured who were taken to the hospital in Thessaloniki will soon be discharged.
