Deep sorrow and growing anger marked the funerals of five women who lost their lives in a deadly explosion and fire at the “Violanta” biscuit factory in central Greece, an industrial disaster that has left 11 children orphaned and shaken local communities.
The tragedy occurred at the factory in the town of Trikala, where a powerful blast during the early morning hours was followed by an intense fire. Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing, but preliminary findings point to a leak of propane gas, used to power the factory’s ovens. According to investigators, the gas may have escaped from worn underground pipes, accumulated in an enclosed space and ignited, possibly by a machine spark.
Experts are examining whether the leak had been developing over time, raising serious concerns about equipment maintenance, safety standards and the presence—or absence—of functioning gas detectors. Investigators are also looking into whether there were warning signs before the explosion that went unaddressed.
As part of the inquiry, the factory owner and senior management figures were briefly detained and later released, with the case file still open pending technical reports. The central question facing authorities is whether the disaster was unavoidable or the result of serious safety oversights.
Communities in Mourning
The first funerals took place amid scenes of profound grief. Family members, colleagues and residents gathered to say goodbye to three of the victims, with the remaining two funerals scheduled for the following day.
Among those laid to rest was 47-year-old Stavroula Boukovala, a night-shift worker and mother of two, who was trapped inside the factory at the time of the explosion. She had worked at the plant for a decade and was widely known in her community.
In a nearby village, mourners also bid farewell to 56-year-old Anastasia Nasiou, who had recently returned from working abroad and had been employed at the factory for just six months. She is survived by her husband and three children.
Across the villages affected, the atmosphere has been one of silent pain mixed with outrage, as residents question how such a disaster could happen. Locals have spoken openly about what they describe as a lack of protection for workers and insufficient oversight of workplace safety.
Calls for Accountability
Residents and relatives say they are still waiting for clear answers. Many are demanding justice and stricter enforcement of safety regulations, insisting the deaths could have been prevented. Trade unions and worker representatives have echoed these concerns, calling for more frequent and meaningful inspections of industrial facilities.
The explosion happened shortly before 4:00 a.m., while night-shift employees were on duty. The resulting fire burned at extremely high temperatures for hours, despite the efforts of firefighters who rushed to the scene. Several workers and a firefighter were injured, but five women were unable to escape.
