carriages of the passenger train were derailed, and the first two carriages caught fire and were "almost completely destroyed". Due to the darkness at the time of the accident and the lack of time for the train drivers to react to the accident, it was estimated that the passenger train was travelling at speeds between and . Passengers reportedly escaped out of windows that were either broken in the crash or after they broke them to escape. Many panicked due to the chaotic scene of the crash, with some in carriages that were tilted at least 45 degrees. Many train cars caught fire following the collision. Seventeen vehicles and 150 firefighters attempted to subdue the flames, while rescue efforts were made with 40 ambulances and more than 30 police officers at the collision site. The crash was so severe that crane trucks were used to help with vehicle extrication. The Hellenic Army was contacted to assist. Some 250 surviving passengers, including those with minor injuries, were evacuated from the collision site by buses to Thessaloniki. Victims 44 people were killed, with 85 injured. 25 people were seriously injured. 66 of the injured were hospitalized, and six were admitted to intensive care units. Identification of some of the victims proved difficult as temperatures inside the first carriage reached . Aftermath An emergency meeting was organized within Greece's government following the crash, and health minister Thanos Plevris went to visit the scene. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou cut short her visit to Moldova to visit the site, stating the need to "offer support" to the victims. Transport Minister Kostas Achilleas Karamanlis resigned following the train crash. Investigation Police questioned two rail officials after the crash. Police arrested a stationmaster and charged him with causing death and harm through negligence. The Larissa station master claimed the switch from the up line (northbound) to the down line (southbound) was not working and that the train was meant to stay on the up line to avoid the freight train. He also claimed he let the train through a red signal. Signalling issues are not uncommon in Greece. Reactions In response to the crash, the Greek government declared a three-day period of mourning, with all flags flown at half staff and celebratory events postponed. The STASY metro workers' union suspended a planned strike action on the Athens Metro out of respect for the victims of the accident. The