Relatives of the victims of the Tempi rail disaster have turned to Greece’s Supreme Court, submitting a comprehensive 47-page petition urging the reopening of the investigation into the tragedy. They claim that significant evidence was never fully examined, leaving critical questions pertaining to the derailment that killed 57 people and left dozens more injured unanswered.
Among those filing the petition is noted legal advocate Maria Karystianou, who criticized the prosecutorial review conducted in Larissa by Judge Lampros Tsogas as hurried and insufficient. Families contend that the recommendations issued failed to account for key findings from the investigation, raising concerns over accountability and the thoroughness of the judicial process.
Greece’s Supreme Court declares itself incompetent in reopening Tempi rail disaster case
Greece’s Supreme Court Prosecutor Konstantinos Tzavelas informed the victims’ lawyers that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to reopen the case. The petition had also been submitted in Larissa, where the case file now rests with the presiding appellate judge, just one step away from trial.
The Judges and Prosecutors Association of Greece released a statement in defense of the investigative process, noting that Judge Tsogas had overseen the original inquiry and was familiar with the case file. The association argued that his expedited submission aimed to prevent unnecessary delays in the judicial process.
Nonetheless, the Supreme Court’s declaration of incompetence prompted strong reactions from politician and lawyer Zoe Konstantopoulou and other attorneys representing victims’ families, highlighting ongoing tensions between procedural rules and victims’ demands for justice.
Families confront authorities over exhumation claims
The fallout from the Tempi disaster has also extended to the handling of exhumation requests. Maria Karystianou, head of the victims’ families association, accused authorities of misleading the public after Greece’s Supreme Court claimed no formal request for exhumations had been filed.
Karystianou released documents proving that relatives had submitted such requests months earlier. These sought exhumations not only to verify DNA but also to conduct biochemical and histological tests for possible chemical exposure. According to her, investigators in Larissa repeatedly rejected these appeals through late July 2025, contradicting Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis and the Supreme Court’s recent announcement.
One ruling, signed by investigating judge Sotiris Bakaimis on July 31, 2025, dismissed the families’ petition. The decision stated that technical reports and expert testimonies had already explained the deadly fireball as the result of a silicone oil leak from train transformers igniting under an electric arc. This official account ruled out the possibility of illegal solvents or hydrocarbons being on board the freight train, as some families have alleged.
For the relatives, these rejections have only deepened their frustration. “The deception has gone beyond all limits,” Karystianou said, vowing that families will continue to press for transparency and accountability.
Calls for complementary investigation
The families insist on the urgent need for a supplementary primary investigation. Their petition points to specific procedural lapses, emphasizing that the inquiry must fully examine the causes of the fire that tragically killed at least five to seven passengers directly and may have contributed to the deaths of 27 victims who were incinerated.
“The seriousness, objectivity, and effectiveness of any judicial investigation depend on the complete evaluation of all findings,” the petition states. “The investigation must continually integrate new evidence, which should be assessed by qualified experts with recognized scientific and professional expertise.”
Families are also seeking a review of the train scheduling, safety protocols, and communications leading up to the collision, arguing that these factors played a critical role in the disaster.
Alleged negligence and criminal responsibility
The petition highlights potential criminal liability among Hellenic Train executives and other individuals involved in the operation and oversight of Greece’s rail system. Families assert that the evidence collected thus far could support felony-level charges for negligence and operational failures.
Legal analysts note that while reopening an investigation after a prosecutorial review is unusual, it is not unprecedented—especially when new evidence or procedural oversights suggest that the original inquiry may have been incomplete.
Greece’s rail safety under scrutiny after Tempi rail disaster
The Tempi disaster has captured international attention, exposing Greece’s rail infrastructure and safety standards. Passenger and freight train collisions are rare in the EU but often lead to intense regulatory and judicial scrutiny when they occur.
EU transport authorities have flagged concerns about the modernization of signaling systems, safety oversight, and staff training within Greece’s national rail network. Families and advocacy groups argue that the Tempi tragedy reflects broader systemic weaknesses that must be addressed to prevent further loss of life.
The Greek government has pledged to enhance safety protocols, including stricter scheduling controls and more robust emergency response measures. However, critics maintain that accountability at the executive and operational level remains insufficient without a thorough judicial investigation.
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