A Father’s Fight for Justice
The father of a young man killed in Greece’s worst rail disaster in 2023 has vowed to continue his 20-day hunger strike “to the end” to demand answers about his son’s death.
“I will go to the end. I will stay here even if I die. I am not leaving till my demand is justified. I want to learn how my child died,” said Panos Ruci in an interview with Mega TV.
Grieving Parent Refuses to Give Up
Ruci’s 22-year-old son, Denis, was among the 57 people killed in the crash.
He has been protesting outside the Greek Parliament since September 15, refusing food in frustration over prosecutors’ decision to block the exhumation of his son’s body.
Doctors say Ruci has lost almost nine per cent of his body weight and is at “high risk of serious complications.”
The Tempe Train Tragedy
The disaster happened in February 2023, when a passenger train carrying dozens of students collided head-on with a freight train near Tempe, central Greece.
Both trains had been mistakenly allowed to run on the same track for 12 minutes.
It was Greece’s deadliest rail disaster in modern history.
National Shock and Anger
The crash triggered widespread anger, strikes, and street protests across Greece.
Thousands accused the government of negligence and of failing to modernise the country’s ageing railway system.
Protests also spread abroad, as Greek expatriates demanded accountability.
Allegations of a Cover-Up
Victims’ families believe authorities attempted to cover up crucial evidence.
They say valuable material was lost when the crash site was bulldozed soon after the collision.
Investigation Ends, Families Outraged
The official investigation concluded at the end of August, but many relatives claim it left key questions unanswered.
They say the report fails to address why warning systems malfunctioned or why proper safety procedures weren’t followed.
Dozens Ordered to Stand Trial
A senior judge in Larissa this week ordered 36 people to face trial over the tragedy.
Those charged include Greek railway officials, executives of Italian-owned Hellenic Train, and the stationmaster on duty the night of the crash.
Families Demand More Tests
Several families are demanding new toxicology and forensic tests.
They suspect one of the trains may have been carrying undeclared chemicals that caused a secondary explosion after the impact.
Government Resists Reopening Case
Officials say reopening the investigation would delay the trial, which is expected to begin early next year.
They insist families can still submit exhumation requests once proceedings start.
A Protest That Captures National Attention
Ruci’s hunger strike has drawn national attention and support.
Citizens and activists have gathered outside Parliament, lighting candles and leaving flowers near his protest site.
“My Son Deserves the Truth”
“I will not move until I know the truth,” Ruci told reporters.
“My son deserves justice, not silence.”
Source AFP
