The father of a young man killed in Greece’s Tempi train disaster, Panos Ruci, has vowed to continue his hunger strike “to the end”, even as reports emerged that judicial authorities are preparing to approve his request for toxicology tests on victims’ remains.
Panos Ruci, whose 22-year-old son Denis died in the 2023 crash that killed 57 people, has been refusing food outside the Greek Parliament since 15 September, demanding that authorities allow further tests to determine whether undeclared chemicals on the freight train contributed to the deaths.
On Monday, leaks to Greek media suggested that the Larissa District Court Prosecutor’s Office will authorise toxicological examinations for victims whose families have requested exhumation. The reports, attributed to government sources, have not yet been officially confirmed, but Ruci’s lawyer Zoi Konstantopoulou said they have received “no formal notice” of any such decision.
Until confirmation is issued, Ruci continues his hunger strike, now in its 22nd day.
Protest for truth and accountability
Ruci has become the symbolic face of the families’ campaign for justice over Greece’s worst rail tragedy, which occurred on 28 February 2023 when a passenger train and a freight train collided near Tempi Valley in central Greece. Most of the victims were young students returning to Thessaloniki.
Doctors monitoring Ruci say he has lost nearly 9% of his body weight and is at “high risk of serious complications.”
He insists his protest will continue “to the end.”
“I will stay here even if I die. I am not leaving till my demand is justified. I want to learn how my child died,” he told Greek television channel Mega TV.
Authorities had previously granted permission to exhume Denis’s body solely for identification purposes, rejecting requests for toxicological testing. Ruci refused that limited approval, demanding full examination rights instead.
Mounting public anger
Public frustration over the government’s handling of the Tempi case remains intense. Opinion polls show a majority of Greeks believe the government attempted to cover up evidence, particularly after the crash site was bulldozed soon after the accident, potentially destroying valuable evidence.
The investigation concluded in late August, with 36 individuals- including Greek railway officials, executives of Italian-owned Hellenic Train, and the stationmaster on duty- ordered to stand trial early next year.
However, several families, supported by independent experts, maintain that explosions after the collision may have been caused by unreported hazardous materials in the freight train.
Church support and political division
On Monday, the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, visited Ruci in front of Parliament.
“A man is suffering, and I came to see that man,” the Archbishop said.
The issue has also divided Greece’s ruling New Democracy party, with at least two MPs- including the Defence Minister- publicly supporting the families’ demand for further investigation.
As of Monday evening, no official announcement had been issued by the Larissa Prosecutor’s Office. For now, Panos Ruci remains on hunger strike, saying he will not end his protest until the decision is formally confirmed.
Also read: Tempi rail disaster debated at EU Parliament
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