Exhumations of victims from the tragic railway accident in Tempi, which were set to occur on February 21, 2026, have been canceled following external legal claims from the victims' families. The prosecutor responsible for the exhumations, Aikaterini Papaioannou, made this decision after the families expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed DNA testing procedures, insisting on using laboratories outside Greece for more reliable assessments. They argued that their requests for more thorough histological and DNA testing at foreign facilities were ignored by the authorities, who maintained that testing would only be conducted at domestic laboratories.

The two initial exhumations involved Marthe Psaropoulou, daughter of Maria Karystianou, and Frantzeska Beza, who were set to be conducted in Thessaloniki. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the families seeking justice and transparency in the testing of their loved ones' remains and the justice system, which is perceived as prioritizing expedited processes over comprehensive examinations. By cancelling the exhumations, concerns over procedural disagreements have escalated, warranting further negotiations between the affected families and legal officials.

Families of the victims have sent an extrajudicial notice to the prosecutor in Larissa, demanding immediate actions regarding the exhumations. They have reportedly set a deadline for the prosecutor to respond by noon today, showcasing the urgency and emotional weight of the situation as families seek closure and proper procedure for their loved ones’ remains. This development has prompted attention from the media and public, as it underscores the complexities involved in administering justice and the importance of respecting the wishes of families affected by tragic events like the Tempi disaster.