At least four female workers died after an explosion and fire at the VIOLANTA biscuit factory in Greece’s Trikala in the Thessaly region in the early hours of the morning. One more individual remains missing. According to the Fire Service, the blaze began shortly before 4:00 AM and is currently consuming a wing of the facility.
Reports indicate that eleven people were in the affected wing at the time of the incident. Six workers were safely evacuated and transported to the hospital for first aid. One firefighter has also been hospitalized. Preliminary reports suggest those currently receiving medical care are in stable condition.
Witnesses told trikalaola.gr that the fire was preceded by a massive explosion that caused part of the building to collapse. The blast was so powerful it was heard in the city of Trikala and surrounding villages, where residents reported windows rattling. Despite the force of the explosion, an employee on-site stated there were no gas tanks in the immediate area where the fire started.
Authorities have closed off Karditsa Road, diverting traffic through the village of Agia Kyriaki to allow emergency vehicles clear access. Currently, forty firefighters with vehicles vehicles are battling the flames. Specialized EMAK rescue units from Lamia are on-site, and the Arson Crimes Division (DAEE) has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the disaster.
The leading scenario under examination is a gas leak, with the explosion believed to have been triggered by a spark. The blast is reported to have occurred in the production unit, specifically in the factory’s gas-powered ovens.
