Under a quiet morning sky in Tempi, 29 young Europeans moved carefully among 57 olive trees planted in memory of the 57 lives lost three years ago in Greece’s deadliest rail disaster.
Many of the volunteers left stuffed toys beside the saplings. Others tended the young trees, trimming branches and caring for the soil. Along the fence overlooking the tracks, they placed black kites that fluttered in the wind, bearing the word “justice” in multiple languages.
The volunteers traveled to the crash site to honor the victims of the train collision and stand in solidarity with their families.
The group, from nine European countries, is being hosted at the Kapnikos Station in Katerini, where members are participating in the station’s social programs. They arrived in an organized delegation from Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Romania, Portugal, Poland and Greece, sending what organizers described as a message of remembrance and solidarity that transcends borders.
According to the T57 Katerini group, which is involved in the initiative, caring for the 57 olive saplings is an act of respect, remembrance and responsibility toward the victims. It is also intended as a tangible show of support for the local community, which continues to call for accountability.
At midday, a memorial service took place at the site in the presence of local authorities, associations and schools from the surrounding area. Relatives of the victims were also present Wednesday and voiced frustration over the pace of justice.
Memorial Service for the 57 Victims of the Rail Disaster at the Tempi Crash Site, 25 February 2026, INTIME NEWS
Memorial Service for the 57 Victims of the Rail Disaster at the Tempi Crash Site, 25 February 2026, INTIME NEWS
“The trial begins in a few days, and we are again expecting the public’s support,” one relative said. “People have supported us tremendously. Perhaps when they come here, they can imagine themselves in our place. There is nothing worse. There is nor day, or night; you cannot find peace, not even for a moment. The image does not leave your mind, no matter how hard you try.”
l begins in a few days, and we are again expecting the public’s support,” one relative said. “People have supported us tremendously — may they all be well. Perhaps when they come here, they can imagine themselves in our place. There is nothing worse. Not day, not night — you cannot find peace, not even for a moment. The image does not leave your mind, no matter how hard we try.”
Source: in.gr
