The report (180 pages) of the “Investigation into the deadly railway accident in Tempi” on the night of February 28, 2023, was presented today by the National Organization for the Investigation of Aviation & Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAM) at the Hellenic Union of Journalists (ESHEA).
The report states that the possible presence of an unknown fuel caused the massive fireball (explosion), not the silicone oils from the engines of the two trains. It also mentions that most of the 57 victims died from the collision, while around 5-7 victims died from the fireball.
It notes that the stationmaster in Larissa did not use the automated system to set the route for the passenger train and made manual changes instead. It is “highly unlikely” that he intended to place the two trains on the same track, but this happened due to mistake and inexperience, according to the report. It also emphasizes that there was a lack of proper communication between the stationmaster and the driver of the freight train, leading to the train continuing its route toward Thessaloniki.
As a result of the economic crisis, the railway faced inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance, and staff shortages, factors that also contributed.
It notes that there was no proper coordination among the services (e.g., Fire Department, Hellenic Police) involved at the accident site, resulting in inadequate mapping of the accident investigation area and the loss of crucial information.
It also highlights that the Greek railway sector was severely affected by the economic crises that began in late 2009 and peaked in 2010. This led to poor maintenance, deteriorating infrastructure, and a structural shortage of personnel needed to maintain regular services. The railway system had not recovered from this situation by early 2023.
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