Violent protests erupt in Greece over deadly train crash

A protest erupted in Athens on Friday over the Greek government’s response to the nation’s largest-ever train crash, turning violent as scores of youths hurled rocks and gasoline bombs at police. The fiery scenes unfolded in front of Greece’s parliament building during mass protests marking the second anniversary of a devastating train crash in northern Greece that claimed the lives of 57 people.

The day began with peaceful rallies in the Greek capital, but quickly escalated when groups of youths armed with hammers began smashing paving stones and hurling rubble and makeshift firebombs at police officers. In response, the police deployed tear gas to disperse the violent crowds. In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, similar clashes broke out as a massive crowd gathered in memory of the victims of the tragic train collision.

The protests, which drew hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across the country, were led by relatives of the victims’ families. Public resentment against the conservative government’s perceived inaction in holding politicians accountable for the crash fueled the demonstrations. Critics argue that only rail officials have been charged with any crimes related to the disaster, while the government denies any wrongdoing.

Rail unions have pointed out the poorly maintained state of the railway network, despite recent upgrades to provide faster trains. The 2023 train disaster in Tempe, which saw a passenger train collide head-on with an oncoming freight train, exposed significant deficiencies in Greece’s transportation infrastructure. The crash, the worst in the country’s history, resulted in dozens of injuries and raised questions about the safety of the railway system.

The protesters, chanting “murderers” and demanding justice, brought public services and many private businesses to a halt as they voiced their anger at the government’s handling of the tragedy. The protests, among the largest in Greece since the debt crisis over a decade ago, underscore the deep-seated frustrations and grievances of the Greek people.

As the investigation into the train crash continues, tensions remain high in Greece. The clashes between protesters and police serve as a stark reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding the tragic incident. It is clear that the wounds caused by the train crash are still raw, and the fight for justice and accountability is far from over.