Fiery Train Collision in Northern Greece Leaves 32 Dead, 85 Injured [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

• A passenger train collided with a freight train in northern Greece, killing 32 and injuring at least 85 people.
• Multiple train cars derailed and caught fire after the collision, which occurred just before midnight on Tuesday.
• The cause of the collision is not yet known, and two rail officials are being questioned by police.

On the night of February 28, a passenger train traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki collided with an oncoming freight train near the town of Tempe in northern Greece. The crash, which occurred just before midnight, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and left at least 85 others injured. Multiple train cars derailed and caught fire after the collision, which happened near the Vale of Tempe, a gorge that separates the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia.

According to survivors, several passengers were thrown from the train cars due to the impact, while others fought to free themselves after the passenger train buckled and slammed into a field next to the tracks. Rescue crews worked through the night to search for survivors in the twisted wreckage of the trains. The evacuation process was described as difficult due to the severity of the collision.

Hospital officials in the nearby city of Larissa reported that at least 25 of those injured had serious injuries. The cause of the collision is not yet known, and two rail officials are being questioned by police.

Passengers who were unharmed or received only minor injuries were transported by bus to Thessaloniki, where police took their names in an effort to track down anyone who may be missing.

The passenger train was operated by Hellenic Train, which is owned by Italy’s FS Group. The rail operator has added high-speed services in recent years and runs rail services in several European countries.

The collision has prompted an investigation into safety procedures on Greece’s rail network. The army has been contacted to assist with the clear-up operation at the crash site.

Source: yahoonews