Train accident in Greece leaves 32 dead and 85 injured
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A train accident between a passenger train and a freight train caused several cars to either derail or catch fire.
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Smoke rises from trains as firefighters and rescuers operate after a collision near Larissa city, Greece, early Wednesday, March 1, 2023 (AP).
A head-on collision in Evangelismos, Greece, on Tuesday, between "a freight train and the IC 62 train which departed from Athens to Thessaloniki” led to the death of at least 32 people and injured 85 others according to local authorities.
The IC 62 train, a passenger train, was carrying about 350 passengers at the time of the accident at 11:24 pm, and authorities noted that several train cars had derailed, while at least three caught fire.
According to the Hellenic Train company, the two trains' departures were delayed, however, until this time, the cause of the accident remains undetermined.
“In Evangelismos, there was a head-on collision between two trains: a freight train and the IC 62 train which departed from Athens to Thessaloniki,” operator Hellenic Train said in a statement. “Firefighters and Hellenic Train personnel rushed to the scene to take part in rescue operations and provide assistance to travelers.”
Local fire departments employed at least 17 vehicles, 150 firefighters, 40 ambulances, and 15 police cars in an effort to put out the blazing fires caused by the disaster.
While some of the train cars in the collision looked to be unharmed, others appeared to be entirely damaged. It is worth noting that the fire was extinguished as people were being rescued
People were allegedly yelling and there was fear in the carriage, according to an eyewitness. Reports revealed that at least 25 of the total injuries were significant, such as burns and amputations, while several of those who were rescued were unconscious.
The collision this week is the worst railway incident that Greece has seen in more than 50 years.
In Corinth, 1968, two passenger trains collided, killing 34 people on board and injuring over 120 others.
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