ATHENS – Protests erupted in Athens following last week’s train crash which killed at least 24 people and injured over 100 others. Demonstrations were sparked despite an apology from the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The train, carrying around 70 passengers, derailed last Friday near the town of Adendro in northern Greece. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but many blame negligence and poor maintenance for the tragedy.

Protesters gathered outside the Greek Transport Ministry, demanding a full investigation into the train crash and the resignation of key government officials responsible for railway safety. The demonstrators were mostly relatives of the victims and supporters of the opposition parties.

The protests turned violent as police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Several people were arrested, and some were injured in the clashes.

Mitsotakis visited the crash site and met with the families of the victims, expressing his sincere condolences, and pledging to take full responsibility for the accident. He also promised compensation for the families of the victims.

In a televised speech, Mitsotakis acknowledged the failures of the Greek railway system and promised to improve its safety standards. He also announced the creation of a new railway safety authority and a full overhaul of the country’s rail network.

The Greek government has ordered an urgent inquiry into the crash, which will be conducted by an independent committee. The investigation is expected to take several weeks.

The train crash has sparked widespread outrage in Greece, with many accusing the government of neglecting the country’s crumbling infrastructure. The tragedy has also highlighted the urgent need for better transport safety standards in Greece.