Railway workers in Greece are preparing to stage new strikes following a passenger train collision near Larisa, a disaster that has sent shockwaves through the national rail network. Reports from local media indicate heightened concern over safety measures and the handling of the incident, prompting unions to demand swift accountability and a review of protocols across the sector.
According to the latest updates, no trains will operate on any of the branches of the Hellenic Train company this weekend, including the suburban lines serving Athens. The disruption is set to affect travel plans across the capital and its surrounding areas, with services suspended to allow investigators to gather evidence and assess safety systems at multiple sites along the network.
Union leaders are coordinating a rally in Syntagma Square in central Athens on Sunday morning to demand transparency and concrete safety improvements. They emphasize the need for a public reckoning on what went wrong and how such accidents can be prevented in the future.
The Panhellenic Railways Federation has signaled its intent to request an emergency gathering with the leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, alongside representatives from political parties. The federation says this move is essential to secure a timely dialogue about reforms and to ensure that railway workers, commuters, and the broader community understand the actions being taken to restore safe operations.
The federation also indicated that a subsequent press briefing would outline long-sought safety measures and operational changes that workers have been pressing for years. The aim is to provide clear, actionable information about safety improvements, training enhancements, signaling upgrades, and oversight mechanisms that can avert future tragedies and reassure passengers and staff alike.
Initial casualty figures linked to the Larisa collision between a passenger and a freight train have risen to 57 lives lost, a toll that underscores the gravity of what occurred and the urgency of reform. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including factors related to signaling, track maintenance, and coordination between different rail operators. The public, meanwhile, awaits reassurance that lessons learned will translate into real protections on the rails and swift accountability for any failures in safety procedures, maintenance, or management decisions.
In the broader context, analysts note that railway safety is a shared responsibility among operators, regulators, and public authorities. The weekend shutdowns and planned demonstrations are seen by many as a pivotal moment for restoring trust and prioritizing passenger safety above operational pressures. Communities depend on transparent reporting, credible investigations, and a clear plan of action that demonstrates commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future. The coming days are expected to shape the conversation around funding for safety upgrades, staffing, and the modernization of signaling and control systems across the country.
As this developing story unfolds, observers stress the importance of balanced communication that keeps the public informed while preserving ongoing investigative processes. The railway sector is facing a critical test: show measurable progress in safety reforms while maintaining reliable service for those who rely on trains every day. The response from government and industry will likely influence policies on rail safety, workers’ rights, and the pace of modernization for years to come. The focus remains on preventing tragedy, safeguarding workers, and restoring public confidence in Greece’s rail network.