Costas Lakaphosis Criticizes Investigation Into Tempi Train Disaster

Serious concerns have been raised by Costas Lakaphosis, technical advisor to the families of the victims, regarding the investigative process into the deadly train accident in Tempi. According to Lakaphosis, “the investigation is not looking at both sides of the scale.” He highlighted two prevailing theories: one involving silicone oil and the other concerning illegal reflective cargo that allegedly caused the fire following the collision of the two trains. Lakaphosis stated, “There is a balance where one side says silicone oil and the other says unknown cargo. I believe the current intention is to close the case prematurely without proper examination.” Additionally, he expressed worries about the delay in receiving a technical report from Professor Karoni of the National Technical University of Athens, fearing the case might be resolved without his input. Lakaphosis criticized what he perceives as questionable moves by the investigating magistrate, such as showing stationmasters video footage and asking for their opinions, despite lacking expertise in video analysis. Regarding the new autopsy in Koulouri, which involves a metallurgist to determine if fire damage resulted from hydrocarbon combustion, Lakaphosis remarked that the expert would likely confirm there was no explosion, emphasizing that the victims’ side never claimed otherwise.