The Greek Parliament has received documentation today regarding the investigation into the Tempi train tragedy, the worst in recent memory.
The files, which were initially archived in Larissa, are being reintroduced at the order of the Supreme Court. The documents do not specify crimes by political figures but they target all those responsible for tampering with the scene of the tragedy.
In particular, the criminal file concerns former Health Minister Athanasios Plevris, Deputy Transport Minister Michalis Papadopoulos, Deputy Health Minister Zoi Rapti, and former Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Christos Triantopoulos.
With the documents now, in the hands of parliament, political parties have the option to propose the establishment of a preliminary committee to investigate potential criminal responsibilities of former ministers.
This development comes in the wake of the deadliest rail disaster in Greek history, which occurred on February 28, 2023, near Evangelismos in the Tempi Valley, Thessaly.
The head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train resulted in at least 57 deaths and numerous injuries.
The incident, primarily attributed to human error, led to nationwide vigils, protests, and strikes by railway workers.
Despite the resignation of the then transport minister and other officials, no politicians have been investigated for their involvement in the events leading up to the disaster as of 2024.
The case has sparked public debate over the effectiveness and impartiality of the justice system.