The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains, said fire service spokesperson Vassilis Varthakoyiannis. The region's governor said the collision was so violent that the first two carriages of the passenger train "no longer exist". The collision between a freight train and an oncoming passenger train occurred near Tempe early on Wednesday. The crash killed at least 36 people and injured at least 85 people. Fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Varthakogiannis said the evacuation of passengers took place in very "difficult conditions given the severity of the collision of the two trains". Local media said the train left Athens around 7.30 pm local time on Tuesday. An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News, Interviews and feature reports from SBS News, A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability, Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service. We are facing an unimaginable tragedy, Sakellaropoulou said in a statement posted to her offices website. The government declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast in a tribute to the victims. A passenger train collided with a freight train in Greece just before midnight on Feb. 28, killing 29 and injuring at least 85 people, authorities say. A passenger train travelling from Athens to the northern city of Thessaloniki collided with a freight train outside Larissa just before midnight. Others scoured the field with flashlights and checked underneath the wreckage. He said it appears the crash was "mainly due to a tragic human error.. Smoke rose from trains as firefighters and rescuers tried to help out the victims after the accident. Derailed carriages, badly damaged with broken windows and thick plumes of smoke, could be seen on the site. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. They were travelling at great speed and one (driver) didnt know the other was coming, he added. Eight rail employees were among those killed, including the two drivers of the freight train and the two drivers of the passenger train, according to Greek Railroad Workers Union president Yannis Nitsas. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was to visit the scene later in the day. They said others fought to free themselves after the passenger train buckled, slamming into a field near a gorge about 235 miles north of Athens. I also wish for a speedy recovery for all the injured.. He said dazed and disoriented people were escaping out of the train's rear cars as he arrived. Many of the passengers were students returning to Thessaloniki from Carnival, but officials said but no detailed passenger list was available. Some of the passenger carriages exploded in flames from the impact. Most (of the bodies) are young people, she told ERT. Another passenger car appeared to be mangled as a crane slowly began lifting it. Please try again later. I feel so sorry for the parents of these kids.. Rail operator Hellenic Train said the northbound passenger train from Athens to Thessaloniki, Greeces second-largest city, had about 350 passengers on board. Regional governor of Thessaly, Kostas Agorastos, said 250 survivors had been evacuated to Thessaloniki on buses. Rescuers are searching wreckage for survivors after 26 people died and at least 85 were injured in a collision between a passenger train and a freight train in central Greece. TEMPE, Greece -- A passenger train carrying hundreds of people, including many university students returning home from holiday, collided at high speed with an oncoming freight train in a fiery wreck in northern Greece, killing 32 and injuring at least 85, officials said Wednesday. March 1, 2023 11.14am. (AP) The incident took place in Tempe, near the north of Athens. At least 29 people are dead and 85 injured after a commercial train and a passenger train collided and derailed in Greece on Tuesday. Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. The crash killed at least 26 people and injured at least 85 people. Footage from the crash site showed flames surrounding the derailed train cars, as well as the swirling lights of firetrucks and ambulances nearby. Survivors said several passengers were thrown through the windows of the train cars due to the impact. The passenger train was en route from Athens to Thessaloniki with 342 passengers and a crew of 10. The Greek army has been called in to assist in the rescue effort. Greece's federal transport minister said he had submitted his resignation in the wake of the tragedy, calling it "the least he could do to honor the memory of the victims" as he spoke on live television. Multiple cars derailed and at least three burst into flames after the collision just before midnight Tuesday near the town of Tempe as the passenger train was emerging from a highway underpass. He said dazed and disoriented people were escaping out of the trains rear cars as he arrived. Survivors said several passengers were thrown through the windows due to the impact. Our carriage didnt derail, but the ones in front did and were smashed, he said, visibly shaken. By Sunita Patel-Carstairs and Sharon Marris, news reporters, Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. "There were many big pieces of steel," said Vassilis Polyzos, a local resident who said he was one of the first people on the scene. Train crash, derailment in Greece injures at least 60 in fires, ruins. A teenage survivor who did not give his name to reporters said that just before the crash he felt sudden braking and saw sparks and then there was a sudden stop. Rescue crews illuminated the scene with floodlights in the hours before dawn on Wednesday as they searched through the twisted, smoking wreckage for survivors. "They were looking around, searching; they didn't know where they were. The collision between a freight and passenger train occurred near Tempe, some 380 kilometres north of Athens, and resulted in the derailment of several train cars. This year was the first time the festival, which precedes Lent, was celebrated in full since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Greece sold railway operator TRAINOSE to Italys Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane in 2017 as part of its international bailout programme, in the expectation that hundreds of millions of euros would be invested in rail infrastructure. Around 60 had been taken to hospital, with six of them in intensive care. Pic: AP, Aerials in daylight show extent of train crash in Greece. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. A passenger train collided with an oncoming freight train in northern Greece early on Wednesday, killing multiple people and injuring scores of others. There were many big pieces of steel, he said. Smoke rises from trains as firefighters and rescuers operate after a collision near Larissa city, Greece, early on Wednesday. The trains crashed just before the Vale of Tempe, a gorge that separates the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia. After sunrise, they turned to heavy machinery that had been brought in to start moving large pieces of the trains. Emergency workers found several bodies dozens of meters (feet) away from the cars, ERT reported. Rescuers are searching through flattened, burned-out carriages for survivors and bodies after a passenger train and a freight train crashed head-on in central Greece. Opinion: We are in a new cold war. Hospital units used to treat burn victims had been alerted in the area and dozens of ambulances were involved in the rescue effort. "It's tragic. The trains crashed just before the Vale of Tempe, a gorge that separates the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia. The cause of the deadliest rail crash in Greece in decades remained unclear. There was panic in the carriage, people were screaming, a young man who was evacuated to a nearby bridge told SKAI TV. The cause of the collision was not immediately clear. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou broke off an official visit to Moldova to visit the scene, laying flowers beside the wreckage. Two rail officials were being questioned by police but had not been detained. A teenage survivor who did not give his name saidhe had used a bag to break open the window of his carriage and escape. This year was the first time the three-day festival, which precedes Lent, was celebrated in full since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Source: Getty / Anadolu Agency, Murat whistled until he was found under rubble in Trkiye. Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis said at a briefing Wednesday that the death toll was likely to rise as identifying remains from the first car of the passenger train in particular would be difficult due to the extreme heat of the fire that erupted. Agorastos described the collision on state television as "very powerful" and said it was "a terrible night. It will take a long time, said Sarianidis. Transportation Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned, saying he was stepping down as a basic indication of respect for the memory of the people who died so unfairly., Karamanlis said he had made every effort to improve a railway system that had been in a state that doesn't befit the 21st century., But, he added, When something this tragic happens it's impossible to continue as if nothing has happened.. "The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains," spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. "I feel so sorry for the parents of these kids.". Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. The possible cause of the collision was not immediately clear. He said windows shattered, showering riders with glass. Survivors said several passengers were thrown through the windows of the train cars on impact. Others scoured the field with flashlights and checked underneath the wreckage. Emergency services from nearby towns were deployed to help with rescue efforts. By subscribing, you agree to SBSs terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Gatopoulos reported from Athens. "The trains were completely destroyed, both passenger and freight trains.". "It's hard to describe the scene. Police took their names as they arrived, in an effort to track anyone who may be missing. Its very difficult what we are going through today as a country, he told reporters. At least 32 people have died after a passenger train collided with an oncoming freight train in northern Greece early on Wednesday. "It was a nightmarish 10 seconds, in the flames. Smokes were seen from where the accident took place. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was to visit the scene later in the day. An emergency government meeting was organised after the crash and Greek health minister Thanos Plevris went to the scene. He said dazed and disoriented people were escaping out of the train's rear cars as he arrived. We are pulling out people alive, injured there are dead. For the most part, we are mourning young people. The pontiff sends the assurance of his prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy, the message said. At least 16 people have been killed and dozens injured after a head-on collision between a passenger and cargo train in Greece. Hellenic Train is operated by Italys FS Group, which runs rail services in several European countries. Greece sold railway operator TRAINOSE to Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane in 2017 as part of its international bailout program, expecting hundreds of millions to be invested in rail infrastructure in the coming years. TEMPE, Greece -- A passenger train carrying hundreds of people, including many university students returning home from holiday, collided at high speed with an oncoming freight train in a fiery wreck in northern Greece, killing 32 and injuring at least 85, officials said Wednesday. Rescue workers with high-powered torches were searching through the wreckage for trapped passengers. Pope Francis sent his condolences and passed along blessings to those injured and to emergency workers, according to the Vaticans news agency. "The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains," fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis told a news conference. "The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains," spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said. A passenger train carrying hundreds of people, including many university students returning home from holiday, collided at high speed with an oncoming freight train in a fiery wreck in northern Greece Tuesday night, killing at least 36 people and injuring some 85, officials said Wednesday. Police said the 59-year-old stationmaster in Larissa was arrested, and a further two people detained for questioning. Harry and Meghan reportedly losing their U.K. royal residence. ', CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. The cargo train was traveling from Thessaloniki to Larissa with a crew of two. Smoke rose from trains as firefighters and rescuers tried to help out the victims after the accident. "They were looking around, searching; they didn't know where they were.". 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rescuers wearing head lamps worked in thick smoke, pulling pieces of mangled metal from the cars to search for trapped people. Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - The pain is unspeakable, he said. At least 32 people have been killed and 85 others injured in a train collision in central Greece. He said 40 passengers had been taken to hospital with injuries, while about 250 were evacuated to Thessaloniki on buses. Our carriage didnt derail, but the ones in front did and were smashed, he said, visibly shaken. ", Vassilis Polyzos, a local resident who said he was one of the first people on the scene, said both trains were completely destroyed.. "We're getting cranes to come in and special lifting equipment clear the debris and lift the rail cars. The front section of the train was smashed. ", "It was a nightmare. "There were many big pieces of steel," said Vassilis Polyzos, a local resident who said he was one of the first people on the scene. "The evacuation process is ongoing and is being carried out under very difficult conditions due to the severity of the collision between the two trains," said fire service spokesperson Vassilis Varthakoyiannis. The crash killed at least 26 people and injured at least 85 people. At least 29 people are dead and 85 injured after a commercial train and a passenger train collided and derailed in Greece on Tuesday. One passenger told state broadcaster ERT: "There was fire next to us. Agorastor told SKAI TV the two trains collided head on the passenger train travelling from Athens to Thessaloniki, and a cargo train from Thessaloniki to Larissa. We are going to be here all night, until we finish, until we find the last person, a volunteer rescue worker told the ERT public broadcaster. The collision between a freight and passenger train occurred near Tempe, some 380 kilometres north of Athens, and resulted in the derailment of several train cars. The wagon started to spin and then it ended up on its side and we got out. "The trains were completely destroyed, both passenger and freight trains.". This year was the first time the three-day festival, which precedes Lent, was celebrated in full since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Agorastos described the collision on state television as "very powerful" and said it was "a terrible night. This is a terrible tragedy that is hard to comprehend, said Deputy Health Minister Mina Gaga. Rail operator Hellenic Train said the northbound passenger train to Thessaloniki, Greeces second-largest city, had about 350 passengers on board. At least 32 people have been killed and 85 others injured in a train collision in central Greece. Officials said the army had been contacted to assist. Five hours later, we are finding bodies, an exhausted rescuer said as he emerged from a carriage. 1833 Hightstown rail accident, Hightstown, New Jersey; 2 killed plus 15 injured.Earliest recorded train accident involving the death of passengers. Others scoured the field with flashlights and checked underneath the wreckage. They said others fought to free themselves after the passenger train buckled, slamming into a field next to the tracks. In comments to state television, Costas Agorastos, the regional governor of the Thessaly area, said the collision was very strong, adding that the first four carriages had derailed, while the first two were almost completely destroyed. Rescuer Lazaros Sarianidis told ERT that crews were very carefully trying to disentangle steel, sheet metal and other material that was twisted together by the crash. He added that the first car caught fire and that he used a bag to break the window of his car, the fourth, and escape. A passenger train collided with an oncoming freight train in northern Greece early Wednesday morning. ATHENS A passenger train and a freight train collided late Tuesday in central Greece, killing at least 36 people and leading to the arrest of a station master and the resignation of a government minister. He said he was taking responsibility for "long-standing failures" in the country's transport network. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said she was cutting short a visit to Moldova to return to Greece. Hellenic Train, which has added high-speed services in recent years, is operated by Italy's FS Group, which runs rail services in several European countries. A passenger train collided with an oncoming freight train in northern Greece early Wednesday morning. Hospital officials in the nearby city of Larissa said at least 25 of those hurt had serious injuries. A passenger named Lazos told the newspaper Proto Thema that the experience had been very shocking. 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