Greek Train Disaster Investigation Reveals New Insights

The news in Greek

1. σοβαρός
   που έχει μεγάλη σημασία ή συνέπειες. ↩︎
2. σιδηροδρομικός
   που σχετίζεται με τρένα ή σιδηρόδρομους. ↩︎
3. δυστύχημα (n.)
   γεγονός που προκαλεί ζημιές ή απώλειες. ↩︎
4. έρευνα (f.)
   συστηματική αναζήτηση ή μελέτη. ↩︎
5. επιστήμονας (m.)
   άτομο που μελετά ή ερευνά επιστήμες. ↩︎
6. εύφλεκτος
   που ανάβει εύκολα ή καίγεται. ↩︎

Translation

Text Comprehension

Question: How many people died in the train accident in Greece?

Question: What caused the explosion according to scientists?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
σοβαρός	serious
σιδηροδρομικός	railway
δυστύχημα (n.)	accident
έρευνα (f.)	investigation
επιστήμονας (m.)	scientists
εύφλεκτος	flammable

Read the full story

Recent reports from a team of scientists at the University of Ghent have shed light on the cause of the catastrophic explosion that followed the collision between two trains. The experts, who have been examining the incident for about a year upon the request of the Greek Accident Investigation Authority, used advanced technology including an innovative artificial intelligence system to determine that the first carriage of the freight train involved was carrying flammable liquids. The weight of these liquids was estimated to be between 3.5 and 4 tonnes, stored in tanks situated at the front of the train behind the engines.

The findings highlight that the explosive material was likely a combination of xylenes and toluene, substances commonly used as fuel additives. During the eight seconds of explosions, a ‘fire mushroom’ reached a height of 80 metres, making the scene tremendously perilous.

In parallel, the legal proceedings related to the disaster are advancing. A preliminary criminal investigation has been launched against Maurizio Capotorto, the former CEO of Hellenic Train. The prosecutor’s office is examining his testimony to a parliamentary inquiry committee, suspecting it may have contained false statements. The investigation will evaluate whether the former executive committed perjury, a move supported by all political parties involved with the inquiry.

This investigation underscores the ongoing questions regarding the safety practices of the Greek railway system, especially after a court decision found the National Railway Authority (OSE) and Hellenic Train responsible for neglecting known safety deficiencies and thereby contributing to the tragedy.

As the legal and scientific inquiries proceed, the full report from the University of Ghent and updated findings from the Greek Accident Investigation Authority are expected to be publicly disclosed by February 2025, potentially offering more clarity and accountability in this somber chapter of Greek transportation history.

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