Athens erupts in clashes over train disaster

Violent clashes erupted in Athens as protesters faced off with riot police, with fireworks exploding in streets and multiple detentions made. The demonstration, involving thousands gathered outside parliament, coincided with a no-confidence vote against the government over its handling of a deadly train collision that occurred in 2023.

This marks the third major protest in recent days, following last Friday's massive demonstration that drew hundreds of thousands on the first anniversary of the train disaster. Thousands of students had marched to parliament, with demonstrators later encircling the building during debate on the censure motion submitted.

The protests stem from the February 28, 2023 tragedy when a passenger train from Athens and a freight train from Thessaloniki collided head-on near Larissa in the Tempi area, killing 57 people, predominantly students. This accident, Greece's deadliest rail disaster, has become a focal point for public outrage regarding government accountability and rail safety standards.

The parliamentary no-confidence motion was initiated by opposition parties accusing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's administration of negligence in addressing critical rail safety issues. Despite these allegations, the government survived the vote with 157 lawmakers rejecting the motion.

The demonstrations in Athens, among the largest since Greece's debt crisis, saw participants demanding justice for victims and accountability from political leaders. Some protesters threw gasoline bombs and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons.

Investigations into the 2023 crash revealed systemic failures, including human error and outdated infrastructure, leading to widespread distrust in Greece's railway system.

The persistent protests highlight deep frustration among Greeks regarding governmental accountability and public safety as the nation reflects on the tragedy's anniversary.