A high-level judicial investigation and intense media scrutiny in Greece continues to focus on the only on-duty station master in charge of rail traffic in the city of Larissa on the ill-fated evening when two trains collided head-on at the Tempi Valley site.
The worst rail disaster in Greece’s history has claimed the lives of 56 people, and the injury of scores of others, with at least five passengers still treated in hospital ICUs.
According to media reports, the 59-year-old station master – a 19th century term that corresponds with rail traffic director in the modern era – received deficient training, both practical and in theory.
The specific employee of the state-run Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) was apparently posted at the Larissa train station immediately after completing his training shifts. He was previously a baggage handler for OSE before achieving a civil servant’s transfer to the education ministry, and then returning in a supervisory position with the country’s rail operator and owner.
On the fateful evening-to-early-morning shift, he was left alone by two other more senior station masters, who ended their shifts earlier than foreseen.
A television report aired by the Athens-based Mega Channel has the specific employee assigned to the busy station after just two-and-a-half months of training, between August 2022 and October 2022, but 200 hours of required training unfulfilled.
He was remanded in pre-trial custody a day after the Feb. 28 Tempi train collision.
Latest News
JP Morgan Remains ‘Bullish’ on Greek Banks
JP Morgan reiterated its analysis of DTCs, prompted by Piraeus Bank’s plan to accelerate their amortization
Source of Wealth Declarations for Greek Public Officials Made Easier
Source of wealth declarations are designed to improve transparency and prevent corruption among Greece's public officials. Yet 98% of Greeks still believe corruption is widespread in the country, according to Eurobarometer.
Greece’s Labor Market Slack Among Highest in EU
Greece ranks 4th in EU for labor market slack, mostly due to high unemployment levels, and has widest gender gap in the EU.
Livestock Crisis Threatens Greek Feta
Feta in particular, is Greece’s primary dairy export, with 65% of production going abroad.
Moldova’s Sandu Wins Second Term amid Meddling Claims
According to the Central Election Commission, with 98% of votes counted, Maia Sandu led with 54.35% to Alexandr Stoianoglo’s 45.65%
Attica Wins ‘Best Greek Hospitality Region’ at 2024 Awards
The Greek Hospitality Awards, now in their tenth year, are one of the premier tourism industry events at the European level
Greece Takes Command of EU’s Operation ASPIDES in Red Sea
The defense minister also visited the Greek frigate Spetsai, which is participating in Operation ASPIDES, while in the port of Djibouti
Brain Gain: Returning Greeks Drive Innovation and Growth in IT and Key Sectors
The profile of the returnees to Greece reveals that 67.6% have families, and 52% have children
New Regulations Target Airbnb Rentals in Greece with Safety and Quality Standard
Additionally, a new ranking system for tourist accommodations based on sustainability criteria is expected to be introduced
Piraeus Port Authority: Net Profits Exceed 70mln€ in Jan-Sep 2024
All indices rise in third quarter of 2024 compared to corresponding period of 2023