Marking the second anniversary of the tragic Tempi train accident, the Holy Metropolis of Larissa and Tyrnavos had issued directives for memorial services which were held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in all its churches, before the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
In further observance of the February 28 anniversary, the Metropolis and all Holy Church offices will remain closed on that day as a sign of mourning and respect for the victims.
Additionally, a Holy Vigil will be held on Friday, February 28, at 9:00 p.m. at the Holy Metropolitan Church of Saint Achillios in Larissa. At the conclusion of the vigil, two Memorial Services will take place:
- For the repose of the soul of the late Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, on the occasion of the fortieth day since his passing.
- For the repose of the 57 victims of the Tempi train disaster, who, as noted in the Metropolis’ statement, “met an unjust and violent death in our land and thus became our own people.”
The Metropolis calls on the faithful to unite in prayer for the departed souls and to honor their memory with reverence.
What happened in Tempi
It is recalled that on February 28, 2023, a tragic head-on collision occurred between two trains south of the Tempi Valley in Greece. The collision involved the InterCity 62 (IC62) passenger train and an intermodal freight train, resulting in the loss of at least 57 lives, among an official count of 342 passengers. Several factors contributed to the accident, including the failure to implement the European Train Control System (ETCS) as originally scheduled for 2020, with its deployment delayed until late 2023. Additionally, in 2019, telematics in Larissa ceased functioning due to a summer wildfire and remained unresolved. This collision marked a tragic culmination following a series of other rail incidents that fortunately had no casualties.
Accountability still pending for Tempi train crash
According to politico.eu, as of January 27, 2025, no ministers or high-ranking officials have been brought before the court in connection with the Tempi train crash that occurred on February 28, 2023. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office had recommended action against two former transport ministers, but the Greek government dismissed this call.
In response, families of the victims have been actively seeking justice. On May 16, 2023, relatives filed a criminal lawsuit against Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other officials.
Additionally, there are plans for a nationwide general strike on February 28, 2025, the exact date marking two years since the disaster. The strike aims to honor the victims and press for a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident. Air traffic controllers have confirmed their participation, which will result in the grounding of commercial flights to and from Greece on that day.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas / Photo: EUROKINISSI