The site of a crash, where two trains collided, is seen near the city of Larissa, Greece, March 1, 2023. GIANNIS FLOULIS/REUTERS

Two trains collided, killing 43, transport minister resigned

At least 43 people were killed and 85 injured after two trains collided in a fiery wreck in northern Greece, Tempi, near Larissa. A passenger train traveling from Athens, carrying hundreds of people, including many university students, collided with an oncoming cargo train just before midnight on Tuesday (February 28). It is still unclear why the two trains were on the same track. According to Greek police, the train station manager in the central city of Larissa was arrested Wednesday (March 1) in connection with the head-on collision. Another two people were also detained for questioning. Greek Transportation Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned. He stepped down in the wake of tragedy "as a basic indication of respect for the memory of the people who died so unfairly" and called it "the least he could do to honor the memory of the victims" as he spoke on the television. "When something so tragic happens, it is impossible to continue and pretend it didn't happen," the transport minister said. He added that he was taking responsibility for "long-standing failures" in the country's transport network. According to trade unions, the collisions highlighted chronic deficiencies, including a lack of staff, broken signals, and outdated facilities. RZSP/Expat Media
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