A major fire at an industrial facility in Aspropyrgos, western Attica, has triggered serious complaints from local labor representatives, who claim that safety measures and state inspections in the area are inadequate.
The blaze, which broke out on Thursday morning at a business located at the junction of Megaridos and Chios streets, injured 11 people. Three of the injured remain in serious condition, while damage was reported at other nearby businesses.
Members of the Labor Center of Western Attica warned that the industrial zone could face a much larger accident if immediate action is not taken.
“There are no safety measures, we will mourn victims,” said Stavros Christidis, a member of the organization’s administration, accusing authorities of failing to properly monitor employers and protect workers.
Warnings over lack of inspections and industrial risks
Christidis described the wider industrial area as operating without sufficient safeguards, claiming that government inspection services are understaffed and unable to effectively oversee businesses.
He warned of the potential consequences in an area that includes oil refineries and companies handling chemicals.
“A major industrial accident could happen in the area and we could mourn victims,” he said, calling on the government, the responsible ministry and employers to take responsibility.
The Labor Center also expressed wishes for a rapid recovery for those injured in the fire.
Claims workers remained inside factories during the blaze
The labor representative made further allegations that some businesses continued operating while the fire was still spreading.
According to Christidis, workers were removed from workplaces by members of the Labor Center because employers had allegedly wanted operations to continue despite the dangerous conditions.
He said evacuations were carried out by the organization itself, arguing that no official evacuation order had been issued despite the activation of Greece’s emergency alert system, 112.
He also criticized the lack of available firefighting infrastructure, questioning whether adequate protection systems were in place in the industrial zone.
Multiple facilities affected, labor group says
Christidis said the fire was not limited to a single business, claiming that several other facilities were also affected.
He added that Aspropyrgos has experienced around 460 fires over the past two years, highlighting what he described as a recurring safety concern for the area.
Eleven people taken to hospitals
According to Greece’s Ministry of Health, 11 people were transported to hospitals following the fire.
Six were taken to Thriasio Hospital. Two of them were intubated, three suffered minor burns, and one was later discharged.
Five others were transferred to Attikon Hospital. One intubated patient was later moved to KAT Hospital, while four people were treated for respiratory problems.
The Fire Service said it rescued one seriously injured person from the site, who was then taken away by an ambulance from Greece’s National Emergency Aid Center(EKAB).
Large firefighting operation after propane tank found on site
The fire started at around 8:00 a.m., sending a thick black cloud of smoke over several areas of Attica.
Authorities said a truck carrying a propane tank was located inside the facility, increasing the risks posed by the fire.
A 112 emergency alert was sent to residents at 8:34 a.m. with self-protection instructions.
The firefighting operation involved 75 firefighters, 20 vehicles, four specialized units — including vehicles equipped for industrial fires — and a helicopter. Water trucks from the Municipality of Aspropyrgos also assisted the operation.
