Violent Protests Erupt in Greece on Anniversary of Deadly Train Crash

Protests marking the second anniversary of Greece's deadliest train crash turned violent on Friday, as clashes between police and demonstrators erupted in front of the parliament building in Athens. Youths armed with rocks, hammers, and Molotov cocktails faced off against police, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The unrest came after hours of peaceful demonstrations in Athens, where thousands gathered to remember the 57 lives lost in the 2023 Tempe train disaster. The collision, which involved a passenger train and a freight train, was the worst railway accident in Greece's history and exposed glaring weaknesses in the nation's transportation infrastructure.

Similar scenes unfolded in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, where protesters released black balloons into the sky in a somber tribute to the victims. Authorities reported over 80 detentions and five injuries in Athens alone, while tensions simmered across cities nationwide.

The protests, among the largest seen in Greece since its financial crisis over a decade ago, were led by grieving families and outraged citizens demanding accountability. Critics argue that despite promises of reform, the conservative government has failed to address systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy. Rail officials have faced criminal charges, but many believe political leaders should also be held responsible.

"The government hasn't done anything to get justice," said Christos Main, a 57-year-old musician attending the Athens rally. "This wasn't an accident; it was murder." Chants of "murderers" echoed through the streets, with public services and businesses grinding to a halt as thousands marched in solidarity.

Rail unions have long warned about the poor maintenance of Greece's rail network, despite recent upgrades for faster train services. The 2023 crash occurred near the Vale of Tempe, a gorge separating Thessaly and Macedonia, along the busy Athens-Thessaloniki route. The collision left dozens injured and revealed serious lapses in safety protocols.

Anger has been further fueled by the perception that the government is deflecting blame. "People aren't just mourning their loved ones; they're mourning trust in their leaders," one protester remarked. Meanwhile, officials continue to deny any governmental wrongdoing.