Train crash expert Anastasios Dedes spoke of “human error” and “dangerous acts” as he spoke of the tragedy in Tempe.

“It is clear that this is human error combined with a lack of systems,” he told ERT.

Speaking about how the tragedy occurred with the collision of two trains, Mr. Dedes said: “The train started from Athens, arrived at Larissa and from there, by order of the station master, switched to a switchman and went to the line, which was the line of descent. This action was completely irrational, wrong and dangerous for me, since there was no control on the part of the driver over the movement that existed on the descent.

“Drivers Drive Blindly”

He stressed that the causes of the tragedy will come to light from the transcripts that exist and cannot be deleted.

“It is certain that the train followed the wrong route, either due to problems on the ascending line due to the current, or for some other reason. The train at the time of the start of the rise should have had signals on the road by which the driver could see whether the path was free or not.

According to an expert on rail accidents, the traffic lights failed because the system was not working. “The light signaling system was not modernized and not put into operation, as a result of which the drivers relied on the orders of the station chiefs and moved blindly,” he said.

“There was a huge risk. The train driver left, he had no markings in front and moved blindly. The same goes for those who go the other way, because the other side also does not work,” he said characteristically.

Asked about the high speed at which the collision occurred, he pointed out that the train needed more than 250m to stop. Considering that the Intercity travels at a distance of 160 km, it was night, and another train was leaving the tunnel, so it was not visible, Mr. Dedes once again emphasized the duties of those responsible, saying that the accident had to happen because it was huge risk.

He concluded by noting that OSE is responsible for maintaining the line and resolving any issues, while Hellenic Train is responsible for the routes.