Criminal trial opens in Greece over Tempe rail crash that killed 57
Mar 23rd 2026 · Greece
A criminal trial began over the February 2023 Tempe collision that killed 57 and exposed long-neglected rail safety failures, with dozens of rail and transport officials facing serious charges.
- The Feb 2023 crash at Tempe in northern Greece killed 57 people, many college students.
- Prosecutors have charged 36 people, mostly rail and transport officials, with crimes including endangering public transport.
- Investigators say a passenger train was placed on the wrong track and collided with an oncoming freight train.
- The impact triggered a fire and trapped passengers in mangled carriages.
- Authorities cite non-functioning signal systems and failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance amid delayed safety upgrades.
- The trial is held in a converted campus to accommodate hundreds of witnesses and has prompted public protests.