The ongoing investigation into the tragic Tempi train collision of February 28, 2023, has taken a pivotal turn with the submission of a new report by an expert team hired by the families of the victims of the railway crash.
Led by Vasilis Kokotsakis, a seasoned expert in fire investigations, the team submitted their report to the appellate investigator in Larissa. The report sheds light on the causes of the disaster, which claimed 57 lives, and reveals new evidence challenging earlier narratives, including those put forth by the Greek government.
According to the findings, the deaths of 30 passengers occurred after the collision and were linked to the presence of large amounts of flammable liquids—not silicone oil from the trains’ transformers, as previously alleged.
Instead, the report identifies over 10 tons of aromatic hydrocarbons at the collision site, a conclusion supported by chemical analyses and advanced scientific methods. Crucially, the report correlates survivor audio recordings and video footage, highlighting harrowing cries for air and delayed deaths caused by the fire.
Adding to the gravity of these revelations is drone footage from the Fire Brigade, which captured unauthorized individuals—allegedly linked to implicated companies—at the wreckage site hours after the disaster. This raises serious concerns about potential evidence tampering, fueling calls for legal accountability and upgraded charges against key individuals.
The findings undermine earlier claims that silicone oil was the primary cause of the fire, instead pointing to systemic failures and significant mishandling of the investigation.
Nearly two years after the disaster, victims’ families continue their fight for justice and have repeatedly accused authorities of deliberate efforts to obscure the truth. In an effort to draw attention to their relentless demand for justice, the families of the victims have taken their case to the European Parliament in the past and even organized an emotive concert over the past summer in Greece.
The Tempi disaster remains Greece’s most devastating train accidents, exposing deep flaws in the country’s transport and safety infrastructure.