TIRANA, March 1 – At least 36 people were killed when a passenger train carrying more than 350 people collided with a freight train on Tuesday, shortly before midnight, in Tempi, near the city of Larissa, leaving strewn carriages and heaps of debris in its wake. The Greek Fire Service said 66 people were being treated for their injuries in hospital, with six in intensive care units.
The country’s transport minister resigned Wednesday, saying the railway system the government inherited was “not up to 21st century standards.”
The two trains involved in the fatal collision were traveling on the same track for many kilometers before the incident occurred, state-owned public broadcaster ERT reported Wednesday. The passenger train had changed lanes and switched to a cargo track before it collided head-on with a freight train, according to ERT.
Recovery efforts are underway, with the focus on the first carriages of the passenger train, the Greek Fire Service said. The death toll is expected to rise.
In the meantime it is reported that Greece declared a three-day national mourning Wednesday.
Albania’s President Bajram Begaj said in a post on “Twitter” that Albania is close to the Greek people.
“Shocked by the tragedy of the train crash in neighboring Greece! Sincere condolences to the families of the victims, while I wish the survivors a speedy recovery. I and Albania stand side by side with the Greek people,” said Begaj.
Messages of condolences were expressed by other Albanian politicians. /Argumentum.al
