A major fire broke out at a recycling facility in Aspropyrgos, west of Athens, on Thursday morning, leaving two workers seriously injured and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

The blaze erupted at a recycling business located near the intersection of Megaridos and Chiou streets. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Two workers hospitalized

According to initial reports, one man was rescued from the burning building and taken to hospital.

A second worker suffered severe burns and was admitted to Attikon University Hospital, where he is being treated in intensive care after being intubated.

Massive firefighting operation

A total of 75 firefighters, supported by 20 fire engines and four specialist vehicles, were deployed to battle the blaze. The operation also included two aerial ladder platforms, a specialized refinery firefighting vehicle, a respiratory equipment support vehicle and a firefighting helicopter.

Municipal water tankers also assisted in the firefighting effort.

Authorities said a truck carrying propane located at the site is a source of concern as crews continue working to bring the fire under control.

Evacuation alert and road closures

As the fire burned, Greece’s emergency alert system issued a 112 warning urging anyone near Megaridos Street to leave the area and head toward the town of Aspropyrgos via Agiou Georgiou Street, following the instructions of emergency services.

Police also closed several roads around the site to facilitate the emergency response, including sections of Megaridos Street, Agiou Georgiou Street and Chiou Street.

Firefighters remain at the scene to fully extinguish the blaze and prevent flare-ups. Authorities said there is currently no reported threat to nearby residential areas.