Yiannis Mantzouranis, the lawyer representing relatives of the Tempe train crash victims, has challenged the latest video evidence in the case, insisting that authorities must explain the cause of the fireball that followed the collision.

Speaking on Greek television on 11 February, Mantzouranis dismissed claims that the explosion could be attributed to silicone oils, stating that “everything so far indicates that it is not explained by silicone oils.”

Criticism of Mitsotakis’ remarks on video evidence

Mantzouranis also questioned Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ recent comments regarding the emergence of new videos related to the crash, suggesting that his prior statements implied foreknowledge of the footage.

Referring to Mitsotakis’ interview with journalist Antonis Schroeter, he remarked:

“Besides being the scion of a large political family, Mr. Mitsotakis must have had some connection with the fortune teller Kalchas, because in his recent interview, he twice announced the existence of videos. I am impressed by his fortune-telling ability.”

The two statements by Mitsotakis that Mantzouranis highlighted were:

  • “We have facilitated the interrogation in all matters. Why do you think the police are not involved? When a video goes, who told you that no videos have been sent? And a video can go, any video, and it will also go to the police for identification.”
  • “And I would really hope—and I don’t know—that in the file of the appellate investigator there was finally a video from this train, so that we could see, after all, if it was transporting sheet metal in the open carriages or something else.”

Mantzouranis commented that “suddenly, out of nowhere, like manna from heaven, 3–4 videos appeared”, raising concerns about their authenticity and timing.

Doubts over forensic experts and missing forensic evidence

The lawyer also cast doubt on the credibility of the two experts appointed by the appellate investigator to verify the authenticity of the newly submitted videos. He argued that the experts “do not inspire confidence in the relatives”, as they had previously concluded that the fireball resulted from silicone oils—an explanation that has been widely contested. He added that these experts had been sued over their findings and that the victims’ families would appoint independent technical consultants to oversee their work.

“Even if they show 152 videos, they must explain what caused the fireball,” Mantzouranis insisted, adding that key forensic procedures were not followed in the aftermath of the crash.

He highlighted serious investigative failures, stating:

  • No toxicological or histological examinations were conducted on the victims.
  • No photographs were taken of the locations where bodies and remains were found.
  • Forensic experts did not visit the crash site.
  • Forty days after the accident, the investigator ordered the Larissa hospital and the traffic police to destroy all collected biological material samples.

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