Tempi train crash trial proceeds in Greece as prosecutors assess support statements

The criminal trial for the deadly Tempi railway collision continues at the Larissa Court of Appeals. After the defendants filed objections, the prosecutor of the Three‑Judge Criminal Court of Appeals presented a proposal on which statements of support for the prosecution (“the category”) will be accepted. The prosecutor rejected the Greek State’s declaration of support under article 63 of the Penal Code, but accepted the lawyer associations’ statements for the offence of disturbing transport safety, noting that the conditions of article 90 are met. Victims’ families and their representatives, including Zoi Konstantopoulou, argued that the State’s statement is “insufficient” and that systemic safety gaps, not isolated human error, caused the crash.

The case involves 36 defendants – senior staff of the state rail operator OSE, its subsidiary ERGOSE, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Hellenic Train and the Rail Safety Authority – charged with dangerous intervention, homicide by negligence, severe bodily injury and violation of duty. The court has scheduled a series of hearings through the end of July, with the next session set for 3 June. The trial remains a focal point of public scrutiny over railway safety and accountability in Greece.