Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities and towns across Greece on Friday, marking the second anniversary of the country’s deadliest train crash. The nationwide protests were fueled by demands for justice and accountability, as citizens expressed their frustration over what many perceive as systemic failures in the nation’s rail infrastructure and governance. The tragic incident, which claimed 57 lives and left dozens injured, continues to haunt the nation, with many accusing the government of inadequate reforms and insufficient action to prevent future disasters.

The protests were accompanied by a 24-hour strike organized by labor unions, which brought much of the country’s transportation network to a standstill. Flights were grounded as air traffic controllers joined the walkout, while ferry services were suspended, leaving ports deserted. Train services were also halted, with railway workers expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and echoing calls for improved safety measures. The strike, which extended beyond the transport sector, saw participation from public and private sector employees, highlighting widespread discontent over working conditions, wages, and public safety.

In Athens, the capital, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Syntagma Square, holding banners and chanting slogans such as “Justice for the Victims” and “Never Again.” Similar scenes unfolded in Thessaloniki, Patras, and other major cities, as well as in smaller towns, where communities came together to honor the memory of those lost in the crash. Many demonstrators carried photographs of the victims, while others lit candles and laid flowers at makeshift memorials. The emotional outpouring underscored the deep scars left by the tragedy, which occurred when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train near the town of Tempe in central Greece.

The crash, attributed to a combination of human error and outdated safety systems, sparked widespread outrage and led to calls for sweeping reforms in Greece’s rail network. However, two years on, many argue that progress has been slow and insufficient. Critics point to a lack of investment in modernizing infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and a failure to hold senior officials accountable for the lapses that contributed to the disaster.

The protests also highlighted broader grievances against the government, with many participants linking the train crash to wider issues of corruption, mismanagement, and neglect of public services. “This is not just about the train crash,” said one protester in Athens. “This is about a system that has failed us time and time again. We are here to demand change, not just for the victims, but for the future of our country.”

As the demonstrations continued into the evening, the strikes caused significant disruption across the country. Travelers were left stranded at airports and ports, while commuters faced difficulties navigating cities with limited public transport options. Despite the inconvenience, many expressed support for the strike, viewing it as a necessary step to pressure the government into action.

The anniversary of the Tempe train crash has become a rallying point for Greeks demanding accountability and reform. With public anger showing no signs of abating, the government faces mounting pressure to address the systemic issues that led to the tragedy and to ensure that such a disaster never occurs again. For the families of the victims and the thousands who took to the streets, the fight for justice and safety remains far from over.