Tragedy struck the public transport sector in Athens as a 50-year-old senior technician at STASY, the company operating the city’s metro, tram, and suburban railway, died in a workplace accident. The worker was crushed by train parts weighing over 300 kilograms, known as “choppers,” while working at a repair pit. He was taken to Tzaneio Hospital but did not survive.

According to reports, the technician was initially alive when emergency services transported him to the hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The incident involved heavy machinery at the repair facility, and the circumstances are under investigation.

Footage captured by Orange Press Agency shows a tense rescue operation involving firefighters, police, and paramedics as they attempted to transfer the worker to Tzaneio Hospital.

The company STASY, which oversees Athens’ fixed-track transport, expressed its sorrow in an official statement:

“The management and employees of STASY express our deep grief for the loss of a colleague who dedicated many years of service to the family of Fixed Track Transport. The fatal injury occurred during technical work at our Piraeus facility. Our sincere condolences go to his family. Authorities are conducting a full investigation in cooperation with STASY.”

Anger Amongst Workers

Dimitris Gourtis, a member of STASY’s Health and Safety Committee, condemned the working conditions that led to the accident. “The area was never intended for storage of these heavy components; it was a repair pit, and it tragically became a pit of death for our colleague,” he said.

Gourtis further criticized the company’s administration for failing to implement adequate safety measures despite repeated warnings. “We have sent hundreds of pages of reports highlighting safety risks, yet no action was taken. Those who speak out are often disciplined,” he added, highlighting alleged intimidation of workers who report unsafe conditions.

The accident has sparked protests outside the Piraeus ISAP station, with union members and citizens demanding a full investigation and immediate measures to protect workers. This is the second fatal accident among STASY employees this year, reigniting public debate on workplace health and safety standards in Greece.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, while unions call for urgent reforms to prevent future tragedies.