Tempi Tragedy: Families Urge Supreme Court to Reopen Investigation

Eighty-Two Relatives Submit Memorandum

On Monday at 12:30 PM, eighty-two relatives of the victims, including Maria Karystianou, submitted a memorandum to the leadership of the Supreme Court of Greece (Areios Pagos), requesting the reopening of the investigation into the Tempi train disaster, which had been hastily closed last week by the Larissa Appeals Prosecutor’s Office.

The families claim that the rushed actions of investigating magistrate Sotiris Bakaimis and the accelerated procedures by the head of the Larissa Prosecutor’s Office, Lampros Tsogas, resulted in critical evidence being overlooked, leaving key questions about the tragedy unanswered.

karystianou

Critical Evidence Ignored

Among the overlooked materials is a report from the General State Chemical Laboratory, which indicates the presence of flammable substances (xylene) on the ill-fated train. Families insist that continuing the investigation is essential to fully clarify the circumstances of the tragedy and assign accountability to those responsible.

The same memorandum had been attempted for submission last Monday in Larissa, but local judicial authorities completely ignored it, sparking outrage among relatives and the public alike.

Hunger Strike and Public Protest

Meanwhile, Panos Routsis, a grieving father, continues his hunger strike at Syntagma Square, demanding approval for the exhumation of his child. His public presence and protest have drawn national attention, putting pressure on the justice system to act promptly.

Voices of the Families

Relatives emphasize that the case cannot be prematurely closed and demand:

• A full investigation of all evidence
• Examination of the Chemical Laboratory report
• Determination of responsibility for the disaster

This mobilization highlights the weight on the justice system and reminds Greek society that transparency and accountability are expected in handling such national tragedies.