I still remember the day of the Tempi train crash vividly. That train route was one I’ve taken countless times—just like thousands of others who rely on public transport daily. It hit me like a punch to the gut: that could have been me, my friends, or my family.

The Tempi crash was not just a tragic accident; it was a wake-up call. Fifty-seven lives were lost that day, and countless families were torn apart. But what makes it even more heartbreaking is this: it was preventable.

The European Union’s 2023 Rail Safety Report revealed that between 2018 and 2022, 1,672 people lost their lives in train accidents across Europe, with 25% of these incidents attributed to outdated infrastructure and human error. Greece ranks among the lowest in rail safety compliance, despite being part of the EU’s legislative framework.

On the day of the crash, communication failures between the control center and train operators highlighted systemic issues that had been ignored for years. There were no functional automated systems to prevent such collisions—technology that’s been mandatory in most EU countries for over a decade.

But this isn’t just about numbers. Let me tell you about Maria. She was 19 years old, a university student traveling home to visit her family. Her parents will never hear her laughter again. Or Kostas, a young father who left behind a wife and a 2-year-old son who won’t remember the man who loved him more than anything.

These were real people. Their dreams, their futures—gone.

And it’s not just about this one tragedy. Every single day, millions of us put our trust in public transportation systems that fail to prioritize our safety.

We demand action:

 1. An immediate, independent investigation into the Tempi crash, holding responsible parties accountable.

 2. Mandatory implementation of modern safety systems—like automated collision avoidance and updated communication protocols—across all EU member states.

 3. Transparency and accountability from public officials on railway infrastructure investments.

If we do nothing, this will happen again. It’s not a question of if, but when.

But together, we can honor the lives lost and ensure their deaths were not in vain. By signing this petition, you’re not just adding your name—you’re taking a stand for safer transportation, for justice, and for change.

👉 Sign now. Share widely. Let’s make safety a priority for everyone.