Police have raided the offices of the security company that released video footage allegedly showing the course of a freight train involved in the deadly Tempe railway disaster.
The railway collision, which resulted in 57 fatalities, took place on February 28, 2023.
During the raids, which took place on two offices of the company in Metamorfosi, Athens, and in Platamonas, Pieria, the authorities confiscated computers, which will be examined by the Criminal Investigations Directorate.
The raids were carried out on the order of investigating magistrate Sotiris Bakaimis, who wants to determine whether the videos delivered to his office are the same as those made public.
Three days ago, Bakaimis ordered experts Apostolos Vasilakos and Stavros Batzopoulos to examine and certify the authenticity of the three videos.
They are also tasked with investigating whether the footage reveals a tank or other container on the freight train that could indicate the transport of illegal, undeclared cargo.
Technical experts commissioned by the victims’ families argue that the massive explosion following the collision – which killed many survivors of the crash – was caused by a flammable material, though its exact nature has not yet been determined.
Additionally, experts from Ghent University in Belgium, who analyzed samples from the crash site and wreckage, have reportedly concluded that at least 3.5 tons of flammable substances exacerbated the tragedy.
The videos were submitted to judicial authorities last week by lawyer Vassilis Kapernaros, who represents Interstar Security, which is contracted by the state-run Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE).
The company manages the surveillance system that monitors train movements and overall network security. Kapernaros claimed that his client digitally recovered the footage independently, and it was officially handed over to judicial authorities on Wednesday.