The Head of the Athens Prosecutor’s Office, Aristidis Koreas, has launched an investigation following a recent incident involving a suburban train that nearly entered the metro network at Doukissis Plakentias.
Mr. Koreas has ordered an urgent investigation after the revelation of the incident, which occurred on October 9th, fortunately without any accidents. The investigation, to be conducted by Prosecutor Mr. Andreou, will determine if any criminal offenses were committed and by which individuals.
The Incident
The incident, where a suburban train nearly entered a metro line at Doukissis Plakentias, occurred on October 9th, according to a document from the Panhellenic Union of Train Drivers (PEPE). This was confirmed on Thursday morning by the CEO of OSE (Greek Railway Organization), Panagiotis Terezakis.
According to Mr. Terezakis, speaking on Real FM with Nikos Stravelakis, the wrong order was given by the stationmaster, for whom he has already ordered a removal for retraining.
He explained, “At that time, the metro was supposed to enter, but due to a delay, the suburban train entered first without the route being adjusted by the remote control operator. This happened 500 meters before the tunnel began.”
Panagiotis Terezakis on the Suburban Train Incident at Doukissis Plakentias
Mr. Terezakis stated, “The train driver violated two signal lights, which indicated he was entering a metro line, and he did not stop. This is under investigation.”
“The mistake was made by the stationmaster, as he set a route that sent the suburban train to the metro line. From the findings of the retraining, we will determine where and if he will continue.”
When asked whether the remote control system detected the stationmaster’s mistake, Mr. Terezakis responded, “The system showed the signals, but it did not detect the stationmaster’s error because he had set a correct route, meaning he did not send the train on a wrong-way track.”
According to the federation’s document describing the incident on the afternoon of October 9th, the suburban train driver noticed that the track switches were set incorrectly and were directing him into the underground network, where suburban trains do not go.
According to information from the Efimerida ton Syntakton newspaper, which first reported the incident, the suburban train driver initially tried to contact the Acharna Railway Center 2-3 times via radio but received no response. He then reportedly decided to proceed very slowly onto the wrong track, and when the train passed over a sensor, the remote control system at SKA (Athens Railway Station) was triggered, preventing an accident.
Hellenic Train’s Statement on the Incident
“Hellenic Train announces that it is investigating the causes of the incident that occurred on Wednesday, October 9th, when a suburban train violated the entry signals into the metro line at Doukissis Plakentias station. The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the relevant authorities, and disciplinary action has been initiated to assign responsibility. The personnel involved in the incident have been suspended.
The company strictly follows safety protocols in all its procedures and implements modern training and evaluation systems for its staff.
Hellenic Train remains committed to continuously improving the safety of the railway network, taking necessary actions where required.”
