Testimony in the Tempi train crash trial enters its seventh week in Larissa, Greece, during the week of October 19. The court has scheduled two hearings with 12 witnesses, including victims’ relatives and injured survivors, according to a Greek news report.

The proceedings are taking place before Larissa’s three-member felony appeals court. A total of 36 current and former officials from Greek railway bodies and the Transport Ministry are accused in connection with the fatal collision.

Survivors describe escape and recovery

Four witnesses who travelled in the Intercity train’s third carriage testified during the previous week. They described the first moments after the collision and their efforts to get out of the carriage. They also spoke about their recovery and the psychological trauma they said they continue to experience.

The presiding judge’s questions focused mainly on whether they noticed the train stop after leaving Larissa railway station. The judge also asked whether they noticed any particular smell after the collision.

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All four witnesses said they had not noticed a stop after the train left the station. One described a smell of burnt iron after the crash. Another said there was a general smell of burning.

Father’s examination is due to continue

The examination of witness Panos Routsis, the father of Denis, was scheduled to continue on October 19. His lawyer, Zoe Konstantopoulou, was due to resume questioning him.

Routsis completed his testimony the previous Wednesday, after which Konstantopoulou began asking him questions. The witness list for the week includes both relatives of those who died and people injured in the collision.

Thirty-three defendants face the specified felony charge

Of the 36 accused officials, 33 face a felony charge of dangerous interference with rail transport. The charge concerns acts alleged to have endangered people and property and resulted in multiple deaths, serious injuries and significant damage to public-utility facilities.

The alleged acts are described as repeated and committed jointly. The specified felony carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Twenty-three hearings remained before the Christmas break. Under the dates announced by the presiding judge the previous week, the final hearing of 2026 is scheduled for December 16.