Tragic train collision in Greece leaves at least 36 dead and scores injured
As per the Greek Fire Service, the collision of two trains in central Greece resulted in the death of at least 36 people and caused injuries to several dozen others.
LARISSA, Greece (TechtUSA) - A tragic incident occurred in central Greece when a Greek passenger train collided with a cargo train, resulting in the death of at least 36 people, including many students.
The collision caused entire carriages to be thrown off the tracks and engulfed in flames, with temperatures reaching a staggering 1,300 Celsius in one of the carriages.
Survivors described a horrific crash, with some kicking through windows to escape the inferno and others being thrown as far as 40 metres on impact.
Investigations are underway, and a station master has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Rescuers worked tirelessly to identify and recover the trapped victims amidst the mangled steel wreckage.
"We heard a big bang," said 28-year-old passenger Stergios Minenis, who jumped to safety from the wreckage.
"We were turning over in the carriage until we fell on our sides and until the commotion stopped. Then there was panic. Cables, fire. The fire was immediate. As we were turning over we were being burned. Fire was right and left," Mr. Minenis stating to Reuters.
Yannis Nitsas, the president of the Greek Railroad Workers Union, stated that eight rail employees, including both drivers of the freight train and both drivers of the passenger train, were among those who lost their lives in the collision.
The Greek Transport Minister, Kostas Karamanlis, has resigned from his position following the train collision incident.
