Athens Bus Crash Injures Dozens
Investigation launched after multiple injuries in Voula collision.
A collision involving two buses in the Athens suburb of Voula has left at least 54 individuals injured, including several minors. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident that occurred Friday.
Crash Details
The accident involved two buses operating on the 122 service, which runs between Saronida and Argyroupoli station. The collision took place near the A Plaz Voula stop on Karamanlis Avenue, heading towards Sounio.
According to the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), the crash occurred when one bus rear-ended the other. Initial reports suggest that the driver of the second bus may have lost consciousness before the impact.
The driver of the second bus, identified as a woman in her 50s with four years of experience, had no previously reported health issues.
Authorities have already ruled out speeding as a factor contributing to the collision.
Emergency Response
A fleet of emergency vehicles, including eight ambulances, three mobile medical units, and two rapid intervention motorcycles, responded to the scene. The injured were transported to several local hospitals, including Asklepieio in Voula, Aglaia Kyriakou children’s hospital, and Gennimatas general hospital.
The two buses involved were relatively new, having been put into service last October as part of a public tender awarded by OASA to a consortium led by coach operator KTEL. The contract covered the operation of 63 suburban routes across eastern and western Attica.
Ongoing Investigation
OASA has announced the formation of an internal task force to assist authorities in determining the cause of the accident. The official inquiry is being led by traffic police.
Following the crash, the union representing OASA bus technicians and drivers released a statement raising concerns about the working conditions of drivers employed by the private joint-venture, citing long hours and inconsistent pay. They also voiced apprehension regarding the maintenance standards of the buses. According to a recent report, transportation accidents are more likely to occur when drivers face fatigue (NTSB 2023).
In response to the union’s statement, representatives from the consortium told Kathimerini that their drivers are fully registered in the national ERGANI labor database and operate within legal regulations. They added that all driver candidates undergo thorough evaluation and supervised training before being assigned routes.
