Near-Miss on Athens Railway Echoes 2023 Tragedy, Sparks Safety Concerns

On September 13, 2024, Greece's railway system narrowly avoided a potential disaster on the Athens suburban railway. A stationmaster's error nearly resulted in a head-on collision between two passenger trains, evoking memories of the tragic incident that occurred approximately 1 year and 6 months ago.

Hellenic Train, the railway company overseeing operations, took swift action by suspending the stationmaster responsible for the near-miss. The individual now faces disciplinary measures for allegedly issuing an order that could have placed two passenger trains on a collision course on a single-track section.

Fortunately, the potential catastrophe was averted due to the vigilance of another stationmaster and the train drivers involved. They quickly identified the mistake and halted one of the trains about 500 meters before it entered the single-track area.

This incident bears a striking resemblance to the devastating crash on February 28, 2023, which claimed 57 lives, primarily university students returning from a holiday. That tragedy, occurring in the Vale of Tempe, an area steeped in historical and mythological significance, stands as the deadliest rail disaster in Greek history.

The recent near-miss has reignited public concerns about railway safety in Greece. It's worth noting that Greece has one of the lowest railway usage rates in the European Union, and its infrastructure has suffered from underinvestment, particularly during the country's debt crisis.

In response to the incident, Hellenic Train emphasized the critical importance of adhering to railway traffic regulations. The company stated, "Strict adherence to these regulations, which include multiple safeguards, is the determining factor in the smooth running of railway traffic." They also announced plans to enhance staff training to prevent isolated mistakes and improve services.

Greece's railway system, dating back to 1869, has undergone significant modernization efforts, especially in the early 2000s. The Athens Suburban Railway, known as Proastiakos, began operations in 2004 to coincide with the Athens Olympics. This network, spanning approximately 120 kilometers, connects Athens International Airport to the city center and serves over 30 million passengers annually.

The train drivers' union commended the professionalism of their colleagues, stating, "Today we could truly have had a serious incident which was averted thanks to the professionalism and commitment of the train drivers, who realized what was about to happen."

As Greece continues to grapple with railway safety concerns, it's crucial to note that the country has been working on implementing the European Train Control System (ETCS) since the early 2000s. This system, along with other safety measures, aims to prevent such incidents and improve overall railway safety across the nation's 2,500-kilometer network.

"Today we could truly have had … a serious incident which was averted thanks to the professionalism and commitment of the train drivers, who realized what was about to happen."

The recent near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Greece's railway system and the critical need for continued vigilance, investment, and improvement in safety measures to prevent future tragedies.