Tension erupted during the trial over the Tempe rail disaster on Wednesday morning (17 June 2026), prompting a temporary suspension of proceedings for half an hour.
Heated Exchange Sparks Disruption
The confrontation stemmed from a sharp verbal exchange between former Deputy Minister of National Defence Zoï Konstantopoulou and relatives of victims of the 2023 Tempe train crash — Greece’s deadliest rail accident, which claimed 57 lives.
According to SKAI TV, the incident occurred while Konstantopoulou was delivering a statement. Relatives present in the courtroom strongly objected to her remarks, repeatedly interrupting her and accusing her of using rhetoric aimed solely at “impressing the audience.”
Presiding Judge Intervenes
Konstantopoulou responded firmly to the criticisms, leading to a rapid escalation of back-and-forth exchanges that derailed the hearing. In response, the presiding judge stepped in to restore order and adjourned the session for 30 minutes to allow emotions to settle.