Investigations have resumed at the “Violanta” factory in Trikala, where a devastating explosion claimed the lives of five female workers. Fire department experts and independent specialists returned to the site after temporary delays caused by high propane levels in the soil and the risk of a secondary blast. Authorities now consider the factory safe enough to continue their examination.
The probe is focusing on previously unreported underground areas and the factory’s inadequate—or in some cases, non-existent—safety measures. Early evidence indicates that a network of underground propane pipes leaked over several months, saturating the soil with liquefied gas that eventually seeped into an unregistered basement, creating the conditions for the catastrophic explosion.
Authorities are also reviewing all factory documents and permits to determine whether the facilities and technological equipment complied with safety regulations. Witness testimonies continue to be collected to clarify the chain of events leading up to the disaster.
The incident appears to have been foreshadowed. Files from 2020 reveal that regional inspectors had identified violations related to the spacing of propane tanks and insufficient safety protocols. The investigation aims to establish whether those recommendations were ignored or only superficially addressed.
Investigators are now focusing on the underground piping system. Liquefied propane trapped in the soil and entering unmonitored areas created a latent hazard that exploded upon ignition. The inquiry is expected to examine not only the technical causes but also the administrative responsibilities of a factory operating with critical blind spots in its safety planning.
