According to the newspaper, the research team from the Department of Structural Engineering at the Ghent University has been investigating the accident for about a year.

The volatile hydrocarbons were estimated to weigh between 3.5 and 4 tons. A fireball, or “mushroom cloud,” that reached a height of 80 metres was created by the explosions that followed the collision, which lasted for around 8 seconds.

Specifically:

  • The first wagon of the freight train, positioned behind the two locomotives, was carrying undeclared volatile hydrocarbons.
  • These flammable substances were transported in a tank measuring 1 by 2.5 meters.
  • The estimated weight of the hydrocarbons was between 3.5 and 4 tons.
  • The explosions lasted about 8 seconds, with the resulting fireball reaching up to 80 meters in height.
  • The flammable substances likely included xylene and toluene, both of which are used in fuel adulteration.

Reaction from PASOK

PASOK strongly criticizes the government, emphasizing its commitment to submitting a no confidence motion as soon as new evidence from the Tempe train collision investigation is officially presented. The party accuses the government of dangerous incompetence, political hypocrisy, and attempts at a cover-up, particularly targeting the PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis. PASOK argues that the government cannot escape accountability for corruption and concealment, asserting that the nation’s interests surpass the narrow partisan concerns of the ruling New Democracy party.

Reaction from the New Left

The New Left questions which vested interests the Mitsotakis government tried to protect by covering up the illegal transport of flammable materials involved in the Tempe disaster. The party demands answers about the extent of this cover-up, implicating key government officials. It frames the issue as a major scandal of corruption and political collusion, urging democratic opposition parties to rise above petty politics and address the seriousness of the matter.

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