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Greece Train Crash Trial Begins with 36 Accused

Published March 22, 2026, 07:08
Greece Train Crash Trial Begins with 36 Accused

The trial for the tragic train crash in Tempi, Greece, which claimed the lives of 57 people and injured hundreds, begins tomorrow in Larissa. Thirty-six individuals, representing OSE, ERGOSE, the Supervisory Authority, and Hellenic Train, are facing charges related to dangerous interference with transportation and negligence. The main charge carries a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment. More than 350 witnesses are expected to testify, with over 230 individuals and legal entities attending as supporters of the prosecution. The accident occurred on February 28, 2023, when the Athens-Thessaloniki passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near Evangelismos Tempi. The majority of the victims were young, between the ages of 15 and 25. The investigation into the causes of the accident has focused on potential omissions and deficiencies in the railway's safety systems. The accused include stationmasters, former presidents and CEOs of OSE, directors and general managers, as well as ERGOSE officials and representatives from the Ministry of Transport. The trial is expected to be lengthy and shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The proceedings will take place in a specially designed courtroom at the University of Thessaly Conference Center, due to the large number of defendants and witnesses. Public opinion is closely following the trial, expecting accountability for the deadly accident.