WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken contacted his counterpart, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, on the telephone to offer the condolences of the United States for the tragic rail disaster at Tempi.

According to a State Department press release on Wednesday, “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos Dendias to offer condolences for the tragedy in the Tempe area, where a train collision claimed the lives of at least 40 people and injured 85 others. The Secretary emphasized the United States stands with the people of Greece during this difficult time.”

State Department spokesperson Ned Price also expressed the solidarity of the United States toward Greece, offering condolences to the families of those killed and best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“…as we continue to see the death toll rise, I want to offer our sincere condolences to the people of Greece for the tragic loss of life in the train collision that happened overnight in the town of Tempe. At this time, 36 fatalities and 85 injuries are reported, making this the deadliest train collision in Greece’s history. We send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who were lost and our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured. That was precisely the message that Secretary Blinken conveyed earlier today to his Greek counterpart when they spoke over the phone.

The United States stands with our friend Greece, and we commend the incredible dedication of first responders who are working tirelessly to save lives and attend to the injured.”

(ANA/ P. Kasfikis)