The trial over the deadly Tempi train crash continued Monday but was once again interrupted, with proceedings set to resume Tuesday before a scheduled 30-day break.
The latest session marked the fourth hearing in the high-profile case, held at the specially configured courtroom inside the Gaiopolis conference center at the University of Thessaly.
During the session, the court reviewed the latest declarations from parties seeking to support the prosecution — a key procedural step allowing individuals and institutions to formally join the case. Tensions inside the courtroom led to repeated interruptions. After two breaks in the proceedings and disputes among legal teams, the court ultimately halted the session for the day.
Defense Requests Time, Court Adjourns
Following the submission of civil claims, defense lawyers requested additional time to review legal documents and prepare objections. They argued that the timeline set by the court did not allow sufficient preparation ahead of the next hearing.
The request led to a tense exchange between legal teams, with defense attorneys insisting that preparing their arguments by the next scheduled session would be impossible. The court ultimately agreed to adjourn proceedings until Tuesday.
The presiding judge noted that future sessions may be delayed further due to planned modifications to the courtroom, suggesting that the trial could face extended interruptions.
Concerns Over Fair Trial Conditions
Earlier in the day, prominent lawyers representing victims’ families, including Nikos Konstantopoulos and Zoe Konstantopoulou, raised concerns about whether the conditions for a fair trial are being met.
Trial for the Tempi rail disaster that killed 57 people, mostly ages 15–25, resumed in Larissa on April 27, 2026. A total of 36 defendants face charges, with more than 350 witnesses and over 230 supporting the prosecution. (Leonidas Tzekas/EUROKINISSI)
They pointed to issues related to courtroom arrangements and the handling of proceedings. Another lawyer, representing a seriously injured survivor, called for the removal of police officers from seating areas designated for defendants.
Out of a total of 36 defendants, only six were present in court during the latest session.
Monthlong Pause Announced
According to the presiding judge, the trial will pause for 30 days following Tuesday’s hearing. The announcement sparked an emotional reaction in court, particularly from Eleni Vasara, whose daughter was among those killed in the crash.
Her response reflected the frustration felt by some victims’ families over delays in the judicial process.
