The train collision occurred when two intercity trains collided head-on in the vicinity of the Vale of Tempe in northern Greece. Reports confirmed that at least 57 people lost their lives, while 85 others sustained injuries, with 58 individuals unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath. Eyewitness accounts described moments of chaos as passengers, among them many students returning from holidays, scrambled to escape the wreckage. Emergency services responded promptly but faced challenges due to the extent of the damage and the location of the crash.

Investigation into the incident revealed that human error, notably a miscommunication in railway signals, was a significant factor contributing to the collision. Following the disaster, Greek Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned, acknowledging the critical failings in the nation's railway safety protocols. The government pledged to take responsibility for the oversight and improve railway infrastructure across the country.

In the weeks following the collision, public protests erupted as citizens demanded accountability and reform in transportation safety. The accident marked one of the deadliest railway disasters in Greek history, prompting national mourning and further scrutiny of Greece's transport policies, especially regarding rail travel, which had been perceived as a safe alternative to road transport.