ATHENS, Greece — Hundreds of thousands of working people and youth filled the streets of central Athens Feb. 28, above, in an outpouring of outrage on the second anniversary of a train collision in Tembe in northern Greece. Fifty-seven people were killed, including 11 rail workers and many young people going home for a three-day weekend. Protesters demanded the government and rail bosses responsible be brought to justice, that there be transparency in the investigation and concrete steps be taken for a safe rail system.
The passenger train was heading to Thessaloniki when it collided with a freight train coming in the opposite direction, causing a massive explosion and fire. One passenger was heard saying on her phone, “I don’t have oxygen!” as she suffocated. Chants included, “This crime won’t be forgotten!” Protests took place in 346 cities across Greece and in other countries.
The Hellenic Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority released a report on the disaster Feb. 27. “What happened — with the evidence being destroyed in three days — must never happen again,” lead investigator Kostas Kapetanidis told the press. The report describes systematic failings and “poor oversight, chaotic procedures, lack of coordination and an almost complete absence of foresight,” Athens daily Kathimerini reported.
The protest was initiated by families of the victims. The General Confederation of Greek Workers and other unions called for a general strike and for the unions to join in the protests across the country. Schools were largely closed in Athens as students joined the rally. Many businesses shut down. The metro system stayed open only for the time necessary for people to get to the protest. Tens of thousands walked for miles to participate.
“Two years after the crime at Tembe, matters have worsened,” Vasilis Zavogiannis, president of the Panhellenic Trainose Workers Union, told the rally. “We are striking so that both the workers and the passengers can count on making it home.” He described the unions’ long fight for safety on the rails. Parents of the victims and students vowed to continue the fight.