The trial for the tragic Tempi train crash opens today, Monday (March 23), as tensions run high in Larissa with planned protests. The pivotal moment has arrived and everything is about to be decided in the specially configured 283 square meter courtroom at “Gaiopolis” in Larissa, accommodating the 36 defendants, victims’ families, injured survivors, lawyers, technical advisors, and all witnesses participating in this historic trial for the Tempi tragedy.
It’s worth noting that the area around the “Gaiopolis” conference center – located in the southwestern part of Larissa, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center – has been transformed into a “fortress,” with different entry points designated for lawyers, parties to the proceedings, and the public, while special provisions have been made for accessibility for people with disabilities.
Tempi tragedy trial begins – Who are the defendants
Presiding Judge Georgia Stefanidou will declare the opening of this historic trial before the Three-Member Court of Appeals for Felonies in Larissa, while the indictment includes five serious offenses, one of which is a felony carrying a sentence of imprisonment up to life. This concerns the dangerous interference with fixed-track transportation means with possible intent. The defendants include the station master who committed grave criminal omissions and acts, directing both trains onto the same track and causing the fatal collision, his colleagues who had abandoned their posts, and many state officials from OSE, ERGOSE, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (ministry directors), executives from the Italian-owned company managing Hellenic Train, and others. It should be noted that no politicians are being tried in this case, as the investigation into them proceeds separately under the law on ministerial responsibility, with procedures in full development.
