ATHENS (Reuters) – Following the tragic train accident in Greece a year ago that claimed the lives of 57 people, the government pledged to address the long-standing neglect that had plagued the country’s rail system for decades. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed to prioritize safety to the highest possible level as part of the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the crash.
However, one year later, experts and officials in the railway industry assert that little progress has been made in significantly enhancing train safety, despite mounting evidence linking system deficiencies to the cause of the accident.
According to officials who spoke to Reuters, remote train control and communication systems, which are mandated by European Union regulations, still do not operate as intended. The main rail operator has seen a decrease in staff numbers since the tragedy, with remaining employees awaiting additional training. The lack of reforms to address the fragmented railway management in Greece has contributed to the sluggish pace of improvements.
Experts are expressing concerns over the continued vulnerabilities of Greece’s rail network to future accidents if safety measures are not effectively implemented.
As families of the victims and survivors seek answers, the sentiment remains that insufficient action has been taken in the aftermath of the tragedy. Costas Lakafossis, an accident investigator representing the families of the victims, remarked, “Unfortunately, the railway system has not seen substantial improvement.”
In response to criticism, the Greek transport ministry informed Reuters that a comprehensive plan is being implemented to overhaul the railway system, despite setbacks caused by flooding in September. Panagiotis Terezakis, the head of Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) responsible for operating the rail network, assured that safety measures have been enhanced, citing the installation of infrared cameras in tunnels and progress on safety system updates.
Terezakis acknowledged the ongoing need for further enhancements, disclosing plans to recruit additional staff members to bolster the workforce. However, with 640 employees currently on board according to unions, a decline from previous years, challenges in capacity and operational efficiency persist within OSE.
“This railway system has been in decline for the past 15 years. It cannot be revived overnight,” Terezakis stated, emphasizing the complexities involved in revitalizing the system.
SYSTEMS LACKING
On February 28, 2023, a tragic incident occurred when a passenger train collided with a freight train on the route connecting Athens to Thessaloniki, resulting in the deadliest train crash in Greek history. The aftermath of the crash prompted widespread protests in Greece, underscoring a broader crisis in public services following years of economic challenges.
An investigative report commissioned by the government revealed that key safety systems, such as ETCS and GSM-R, could have averted the disaster. However, the implementation of these systems has been inadequate, with reported delays and issues hindering their effectiveness.
While ETCS has been installed along rail tracks after considerable delays, its operation remains pending certification due to delays in integrating it into trains, as per OSE workers and officials. Further complicating matters, 18 Greek public officials are facing charges for unauthorized extensions to the project.
The impact of flooding on the telecom systems along the Athens-Thessaloniki route exacerbated the challenges, requiring significant resources for restoration estimated at 450 million euros.
The European Agency for Railways expressed concerns in a safety assessment report, citing non-compliance with EU regulations, funding shortages, and a convoluted administrative structure as hindrances to progress in enhancing railway safety.
Efforts to streamline operations through a merger of OSE and its subsidiaries have been proposed by the transport ministry to address administrative inefficiencies.
HAUNTING
The emotional toll of the tragic event continues to haunt survivors and families of the victims. Maria Karistianou, who lost her daughter in the crash, called for accountability from politicians for systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy.
A petition calling for the elimination of laws shielding ministers from prosecution has garnered significant support, reflecting public demand for accountability.
Survivors have reported enduring post-traumatic stress and recurring nightmares, as evidenced by legal actions against the state. Stavroula Kapsali, a survivor of the crash, shared the lasting impact on her life, expressing fear of train safety concerns and the emotional burden left by the experience.
The unresolved trauma and grief underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and heightened safety measures within Greece’s railway system to prevent future tragedies.
(Additional reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Angeliki Koutantou in Athens, Alexandros Avramidis in Thesaloniki; editing by Edward McAllister and Mark Heinrich)
