Former OSE head, two executives to face criminal prosecution

The former president of Hellenic Railways (OSE) and two members of the board that recommended the promotion to stationmaster of the official on duty on the night of the Tempe railway disaster are to face criminal charges for breach of duty, state broadcaster ERT has reported.

The three defendants are Spyros Pateras, the former deputy managing director of OSE and current member of the board, Athanasios Kottaras and the director of personnel, Stella Koliopoulou.

The appellate investigating magistrate has been informed about the prosecution and is expected to summons the three defendants to testify.

The Tempe railway collision lead to the deaths of 57 people, most of them young, and left dozens injured. It also sparked a public outcry over the shortcomings and chronic failures of the state.