The former head of the Larissa Inspection Department of the Traffic Support Service (railways) of Central and Southern Greece announced his intention to file a lawsuit against the Deputy Minister of Transport, Kostas Kyranakis, through his lawyer, at today’s meeting for the train accident in Tempe.
His advocate filed an objection to support the charge of the Greek State that was declared against him yesterday and at the expense of the three station masters of the afternoon and evening shift on February 28, 2023.
Entering into matters of substance, the advocate emphasized that there was a fatal accident the sole fault of the Greek State, pointing to civil court rulings on the crash that demonstrated the absence of safety systems on the rail network – such as light signaling and the automatic braking system (ETCS) which are causally linked to the collision.
“He did not commit a criminal act. It did not disturb the safety of transportation,” the advocate emphasized, referring to a distortion of reality.
He also stated that his client intends to testify in support of the charge against the former Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Kostas Ah. Karamanlis, who is being investigated by the Supreme Court for the misdemeanor of breach of duty in the case of Tempi.
As his claims unfolded, Alma Latta, mother of Claudia Latta who died in Tempe, shouted “she knew who it was and she put him there,” referring to the night shift stationmaster. We remind you that the omissions attributed to the accused inspector concern the placement of the station master in the specific post even though – according to the indictment – he knew that he did not have the qualifications.
In total, of the 36 defendants, most of them stated today through their lawyers that reserved for filing objections for the next hearing.
Most pointed out that the objections will be directed against the representation of the Bar Associations and the Association of Greek Drivers. A defendant will file an objection for all those supporting the accusation, that is, the relatives of the victims, on the basis that there is no causal link between his role and the tragic outcome.
Two other defendants also entered objections in support of the charge today, while five defendants informed the court that they will not enter objections in support of the charge.
The defendants’ objections were to the Bar Associations and the Motorists’ Union.
