Aslanidis spoke forcefully about what happened in the aftermath of the collision, referring both to the treatment of the victims’ remains and to the works carried out at the site.

‘We consider our children missing. They desecrated our children. They loaded them onto trucks and dumped them on plots of land. Specially trained dogs found them. Will Tsapatoris come here to speak to us? They desecrated the dead and made money from our murdered children.’

Antonis Psarropoulos also intervened in the discussion, demanding detailed information about the contracts and works carried out at the crash site.

Psarropoulos put a series of questions to the Region of Thessaly, seeking specific answers about how the works were selected and awarded, their cost, the source and disbursement of the funds, and whether the regional authority had taken any legal action.

‘We have every right, not only as ordinary citizens but also as people directly affected by actions that took place after the accident at this location, actions falling within the local jurisdiction of your region. We ask:

  • Are there official records of the selection and award process for the works referred to in this publication?
  • We have read about overpriced works. Is that true?
  • Where did the Region obtain this money?
  • When were the contractors paid?
  • Were these funds available while the filling works were being carried out, or were they secured later?
  • How and when was this apparently exorbitant expenditure approved?
  • Did the Region of Thessaly not have machinery of its own that could have been made available to carry out these tasks?
  • Has the Region taken legal action and, if so, what stage has the investigation reached?’

‘We, the relatives, are not being used as tools by anyone. Even the suggestion of that is a grave insult. None of Documento’s (T/N: Greek news outlet that focuses on investigative journalism) revelations appear in the case file concerning the alleged scam. We want specific information. We do not want a private discussion with Mr Agorastos because we are now on opposite sides,’ he said.

Kostas Agorastos, a regional councillor and former governor of Thessaly, also took part in the meeting by video call.

Agorastos expressed ‘his unwavering support for the relatives of the victims’, stressing that he ‘understands their need to know the truth’.

Asked about the awarding of the contracts, he claimed that ‘the legal process was followed’ and that ‘no damage was caused to the public purse’.

He also said he was willing to provide answers to the relatives, but declined to respond publicly to their questions.

Referring finally to the case involving the crane, Agorastos said the matter had been investigated by the judicial authorities and subsequently closed.

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