TRIKALA, Greece — A devastating explosion and fire at the Violanta biscuit factory near Trikala killed five workers and injured seven others, turning an overnight shift at one of central Greece’s food-production facilities into a deadly industrial disaster.
The incident began shortly before 4 a.m. on January 26, while 13 employees were working inside the factory. A powerful explosion was reported before the fire rapidly spread through the production area, severely damaging and partially destroying the building.
Eight workers managed to escape, while firefighters searching the heavily damaged facility initially recovered four bodies. The remains of a fifth worker were later found and were formally identified. Six workers and one firefighter were taken to hospitals, with officials initially describing their injuries as primarily related to smoke inhalation and other effects of the blast.
💥 Powerful Blast Before Fire
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion shortly before the blaze erupted. The force of the blast was reportedly strong enough to be heard in surrounding areas, while portions of the factory structure were destroyed.
Firefighters deployed roughly 40 personnel and numerous vehicles to battle the flames and search the damaged building. Smoke could be seen rising over the area as emergency crews worked to secure the site and locate missing employees.
The factory operates around the clock, and the incident occurred during its overnight production shift.
🔎 Investigators Identify Propane Leak
Authorities initially said the cause was unknown, but subsequent investigation pointed to a propane gas leak beneath the factory.
Greek fire investigators reported finding a puncture in underground piping that carried propane from storage tanks to ovens inside the production area. Investigators said leaked gas accumulated in an underground section of the facility before being ignited by an electrical spark, triggering the deadly explosion.
Surviving workers also reportedly told investigators that they had noticed the smell of gas before the explosion. Investigators further examined whether appropriate gas-detection and safety measures were in place at the facility.
⚖️ Legal Investigation Underway
The disaster has prompted a criminal investigation. The factory owner, safety manager and night-shift manager were arrested and faced charges related to negligent manslaughter, the explosion and fire, and bodily harm. Prosecutors later considered more serious charges as additional evidence emerged.
The investigation has focused on the condition of the propane system, workplace safety procedures, inspections and whether warnings about potential hazards were properly addressed.
🏭 Company Response
Violanta expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it was cooperating with emergency authorities and investigators. The company said its immediate priority was supporting employees and their families following the tragedy.
The deadly incident has drawn renewed attention to industrial workplace safety in Greece, particularly the systems used to detect and prevent leaks involving flammable fuels.
For the families of the five workers who died, however, the investigation represents more than an industrial safety inquiry—it is also an effort to establish exactly what happened in the final moments before the explosion and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
