Train crash Greek station master remains in jail until trial

According to Greek law, the station master could be sentenced to 10 years in prison to life imprisonment for this crime.

The chief, who controlled the signaling at the Larissa station, where the disaster occurred, has already pleaded guilty to negligence. This was reported by a Greek government spokesperson last Thursday.

Lawyer: the client is “devastated” by the case

The man’s lawyer says the decision to detain the station master is not unexpected, given the importance of the case. He added that his client is “devastated” by the case and told the judge the truth “without fear”.

In addition, he points out that “there are important new elements in the case which must be examined”.

A passenger train and a freight train collided head-on overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. It happened in the Greek city of Larissa, on one of the most important railway lines in the country.

A huge explosion followed and a fire broke out, probably due to oil exploding in the brake system. Several carriages derailed, with the first two of the passenger train being “almost completely” destroyed. The rail collision killed 57 people.

Yesterday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis asked for forgiveness from the victims of the train crash and their relatives via social media. He wrote: “To everyone, especially the loved ones of the victims, I say sorry, on behalf of all the people who have ruled the country for many years.”

Riots in Athens

Since the accident, things have been turbulent in Greece. Riots broke out at a protest in Athens yesterday. According to the unions, the accident was unavoidable due to years of lack of maintenance. The State and the transport company are held responsible by many Greeks for the tragedy.