A preliminary investigation has been launched into the recent incident involving the Thessaloniki Metro, where a train became immobilized, leaving passengers stranded in tunnels and forced to evacuate on foot.
According to Dikatiko.gr, The Thessaloniki First Instance Prosecutor’s Office ordered the investigation, which is being carried out by the Thessaloniki’s White Tower Security Department, following a directive from the Thessaloniki Appeals Prosecutor’s Office.
On Saturday the power feeds on the Thessaloniki metro malfunctioned and thus one train abruptly stopped inside the underground, midway between two stations. Video later posted on social media showed passengers evacuated in the tunnels and walking along the underground line’s side to reach the next station.
The new Thessaloniki metro was inaugurated under a month ago, at the end of November. The construction of the metro was characterized by excessive delays, and the decades of mismanagement that inflated the project’s cost- to a staggering €3 billion for just 13 stations. The fact that there are malfunctions so soon into the much-awaited opening has brought widespread frustration and derision.
The investigation looks to uncover why the metro shutdown occurred and why it did not resume immediately, whether passenger evacuation through the tunnel walkways was conducted safely, and if safety protocols were followed.
Additionally, the inquiry reportedly specifically looks to determine if train attendants involved in the evacuation were adequately prepared to assist individuals with mobility disabilities and those who use wheelchairs.
In a statement released on Monday, the Thessalonikli Metro stated, “During the incident, the system’s safety reserves operated with complete success and subsequently, the procedure for the safe removal of passengers was followed as planned. The goal of maintaining the Metro’s high level of safety for passenger operations was thus achieved.”
