Greek Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Dimitris Mitrouliadis has formally requested the referral of former Deputy Minister Christos Triantopoulos to the Special Court for the ‘Tempi site clearance’ case — referring to the controversial decision to pour concrete over the crash site hours after the February 2023 rail disaster that killed 57 people.
Alleged Misconduct in the Immediate Aftermath
In a multi-page proposal submitted to the competent Judicial Council, Mitrouliadis accuses Triantopoulos of dereliction of duty related to his actions and omissions during the critical first hours following the collision near Tempi, in central Greece. Triantopoulos was present at the scene and participated in high-level emergency coordination meetings.
He is accused — alongside seven other non-political figures — of authorizing the premature clearing of the site while rescue teams were still recovering human remains. According to the prosecution, concrete was poured to allow cranes access to lift the wreckage — a move deemed both insensitive and damaging to the integrity of the forensic investigation and judicial process.
Broader Referral Request
The prosecutor’s proposal also calls for the trial before the Special Court of three additional non-political individuals involved in those decisions, including former Thessaly Regional Governor Konstantinos Agorastos and senior fire service officials.
For three other non-political suspects — previously charged with the same offence — Mitrouliadis recommends dismissal of proceedings before the Special Court. Instead, he proposes that their files be transferred to the Larissa Public Prosecutor for examination under standard criminal procedures, as their alleged conduct falls outside the scope of ministerial liability.
Families Demand Stricter Charges
Relatives of the 57 victims and survivors injured in the disaster have urgently called for upgrading the charge against Triantopoulos from a misdemeanour to a felony — reflecting the gravity of the alleged failure in crisis management and accountability.
A decision by the Judicial Council of the Special Court is expected in early autumn.
Separate Probe Underway Against Former Transport Minister Karamanlis
Meanwhile, an ongoing inquiry into former Transport Minister Costas Karamanlis — conducted under the law governing ministerial responsibility — is already underway. Presiding Investigating Judge Elias Giarenis has begun receiving testimony from victims’ families, many of whom have formally declared their support for the prosecution’s case.