A train traveling from Thessaloniki to Larissa ran for several kilometers on the wrong track yesterday, with OSE denying passengers’ complaints, stating that “no train entered the wrong track” and shifting responsibility to Hellenic Train. OSE added that “in cases of controlled routing for track changes or controlled backtracking, train staff must promptly and clearly inform passengers of the route change.”
Later, Hellenic Train confirmed the “incorrect direction,” emphasizing that the driver realized the error in time. “The driver immediately brought the train to a stop and notified the stationmaster. The stationmaster informed him that there was a technical issue with the track-switching mechanism and instructed him to continue on the current track, then reverse and re-enter the station so that passengers could disembark,” the company stated.
SYRIZA stated that the incident “brings back memories of Tempi,” while PASOK called for the government’s resignation, arguing it cannot ensure rail safety.
Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis said that the train entered the track “as part of a planned procedure” due to a system malfunction, but acknowledged a mistake by the stationmaster, who failed to alert the driver, and a mistake by the onboard staff, who did not inform passengers. He added that an investigation into the malfunction is currently underway to determine the causes.
SYRIZA stated that the incident “brings back memories of Tempi,” referring to last year’s deadly collision, while PASOK argued that the government cannot guarantee rail safety and called for its resignation.
Sources: Καθημερινή, iefimerida
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