Scientists at Ghent University have reached their own conclusions about the causes of the fire that broke out after the train collision in Tempe.
According to information reported by the newspaper Real News, Belgian investigators determined that the explosion was not the result of the collision of the trains, but was caused by flammable substances that were being transported in the first carriage of the commercial train, which had not been officially declared. The experts emphasize in their conclusion that the fire was not a natural consequence of the accident, but the result of the ignition of materials, which probably explains the "mushroom fire" that was created and reached a height of 80 meters.
The team of Belgian academics from the Department of Structural Engineering at Ghent University has been investigating the case for a year, following a request from the Greek Organization for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM).
Experts used analytical techniques such as chemical spectroscopy and numismatics, as well as an artificial intelligence system to process available videos and images from the accident. They are also said to have determined not only the composition of these substances, but also their weight, the dimensions of the tank that contained them and the exact point on the train in which they were located.
According to their findings, the first wagon of the commercial train was carrying volatile hydrocarbons, most likely xylene and toluene, substances also used for fuel adulteration. These substances, estimated to have been stored in a tank measuring 1×2,5 meters, are estimated to have had a total weight of 3,5 to 4 tons.
The assignment of the investigation to Ghent University was one of the first actions of EODASAAM, which began its operation in February 2024. As part of the investigation, the team of Belgian scientists had at their disposal samples from the damaged wagons, while they analyzed in detail the conditions prevailing in the area at the time of the accident. Meteorological data show that weather conditions and wind speed influenced the spread of the fire, which probably contributed to its rapid spread.
Study of available videos and images from the moment of the collision also revealed that the two trains did not collide just once, but three times, as the first impact caused the trains to abruptly reverse, leading to two additional secondary collisions.
At the same time, EODASAAM has commissioned a study to a German institute, which is examining the behavior of the passenger car seats during the fire. The aim is to determine whether their construction material met safety standards or whether it contributed to the spread of the flames.
The full report by Ghent University, along with other findings, will be presented on February 27, 2025, one day before the two-year anniversary of the tragedy. Real News points out that the findings may also highlight serious shortcomings in the management of the accident, as the first critical hours after the collision were not coordinated by executives with expertise in rail accidents, but by local Traffic Police officers, due to the late establishment of EODASAAM.
The government's response
From the government camp, spokesman Pavlos Marinakis commented, who in his response aimed his arrows at PASOK, accusing it of attempting to politically exploit the accident.
"Awkwardly and hastily, once again, PASOK is rushing to issue a statement regarding today's (ed. yesterday's) REALNEWS publication, regarding a finding by EODASAAM, wanting to denounce the government for allegedly "covering up" while ignoring an important 'detail': The National Organization for the Investigation of Airport and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM) was staffed by the Government of New Democracy and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, strengthening it with resources and responsibilities, so that it can issue its own finding with complete independence, in collaboration with European experts." Mr. Marinakis stated characteristically.
The government spokesman's statement in detail:
"After yesterday's silence in our response, with which we demonstrated that PASOK had rushed to uncritically adopt a publication regarding the content of Mr. Grammatidis' letter, which was completely denied by the former interim president of OSE himself, the main opposition party, with its announcement today, continues unwaveringly."
Clumsily and hastily, once again, PASOK is rushing to issue a statement regarding today's REALNEWS report, regarding a finding by EODASAAM, wanting to denounce the government for allegedly "covering up" while ignoring an important "detail":
The National Organization for the Investigation of Airport and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM) was staffed by the New Democracy Government and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, strengthening it with resources and responsibilities, so that it can issue its own findings with complete independence, in collaboration with European experts.
It is deeply hypocritical that PASOK, on the one hand, invokes the National Investigation Agency, the findings of which we all await – when officially issued – and at the same time accuses the Government of allegedly “covering up”, when it is the Government itself that provided all the tools to the said Agency to conduct a full and independent investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy.
Every day it is proven, more and more, that PASOK, following the opposition tactics of SYRIZA, is not interested in the truth about the tragic accident in Tempi, which the whole society desires and which will be revealed by Justice and no one else, except to survive politically, even on the anguish and pain of the relatives of the victims and the citizens, who all they ask for is justice without asterisks."
Source: protothema.gr