Athens – The death toll from a collision between a passenger train and a freight train near Larissa, in central Greece, has risen to at least 36. This was reported by the Greek media, while rescue operations and attempts to extract survivors from the wreckage continue. There are currently at least 85 injured, while 194 passengers were transferred by bus to Thessalonica. A passenger train from Athens bound for the northern city of Thessalonica and a freight train from Thessalonica bound for Larissa were involved in the crash.
Police, firefighters and rescue teams are still busy at the scene of the accident, which occurred about 380 kilometers north of Athens.
“My thoughts are with the people of Greece after the terrible train crash that claimed the lives of so many last night near Larissa,” wrote European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Twitter, noting that “the whole of Europe is in mourning with you. I wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.”
The president of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola expressed “deep sadness for the terrible crash between trains near Larissa in Greece”. On Twitter she expressed “the most sincere condolences to all the victims, their families and friends”, as well as “gratitude to all the rescuers and medical staff”. Metsola added that “our thoughts are with the people of Greece after this tragic event”.
Turkey’s foreign minister expressed “condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives” in the train crash “and to the Greek government”. In a statement, the Ankara authorities “wished a speedy recovery to the wounded”. (source Adnkronos)