A Greek court has issued a landmark ruling over the country’s deadliest recent rail disaster, awarding €400,000 in compensation to the relatives of a victim.

The Administrative Court of First Instance in Athens ruled in favor of four family members, concluding that the state bore responsibility due to the poor condition of the national railway network at the time of the tragedy.

Court finds state liability

According to the court’s reasoning, authorities were aware of critical infrastructure problems but failed to take the necessary measures to address them. This omission, the ruling stated, contributed to the fatal outcome.

The decision marks the first judicial acknowledgment of state accountability in connection with the disaster, setting a significant legal precedent.

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A turning point for compensation claims

Legal experts consider the ruling a major development, as it is expected to open the way for additional compensation claims from other victims’ families.