Greek Rail Disaster Inquiry Reveals Chronic Safety Failures

A new report identifies systemic issues and human errors as key factors in Greece's 2023 train crash that killed 57 people, with recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

• The 2023 head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train near Larissa was caused by human error, outdated infrastructure, and systemic failures, according to an official report by HARSIA.
• The crash, which killed 57 people, was exacerbated by poor staff training, staff shortages, and a lack of automated safety controls in Greece's deteriorating railway system.
• Investigators noted that austerity measures during the 2009-18 financial crisis significantly weakened the rail network, leaving it under-resourced and overstretched.
• The report highlighted the possibility of an 'unknown fuel' contributing to a fireball and explosion during the crash, though the exact cause remains unclear.
• HARSIA issued 17 recommendations to improve safety, including better training, hiring more staff, upgrading infrastructure, and deploying accident analysis equipment.

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Al Jazeera