A tragic propane explosion at the Violanta factory in Trikala has claimed the lives of five women, exposing serious safety failures in the building and management practices. Investigators report that the basement where the fatal explosion occurred was unregistered and lacked gas detection sensors, allowing propane to accumulate undetected and ultimately detonate; acting as a deadly ‘gas chamber’.
Preliminary investigations indicate that propane leaked into the basement through buried pipes, with unsealed openings from metal reinforcement mesh installations allowing the gas to seep in unchecked. Experts also noted that recent paving in the area may have further damaged the pipes, while explosive gas detection equipment revealed a mix of flammable gases with soil, confirming that the deadly combination had formed well before the blast.
Authorities suggest that the spark triggering the explosion may have come from a pressure water pump operating 24/7, while no valves or safety systems were in place to stop the gas flow, leading to the complete destruction of the building.
Long-Term Gas Leak Ignored
Authorities revealed that the propane leak had persisted for months, with sensors recording extremely high gas concentrations. Six employees reported smelling gas at the site over several months, but their complaints went unaddressed.
“The leak had been going on for eight months. No one went below to fix it, and now my girls are gone for nothing,” said a grieving relative.
Investigators from the Fire Department’s Arson Crime Unit are reviewing building permits, construction plans, and pipe installation approvals to determine whether the underground piping and above-ground propane tanks were legally installed and maintained.
Fire department officials explained that propane, stored as a liquid but used as gas, can be lethal in enclosed spaces. Safety systems that could have detected the pressure drop failed, and critical sensors were either missing or improperly installed.
Regulatory Oversight and Accountability
Documents show that as far back as December 2019, regional authorities had flagged issues with the placement of gas tanks, which did not comply with legal standards. The company was required to provide documentation and implement technical upgrades, which were only partially completed.
The explosion struck shortly after the factory reopened following its usual Sunday closure, underscoring the risks posed by inadequate safety measures. Experts confirmed that propane traveled 25–30 meters underground before entering the basement, triggering the deadly blast.
Families Demand Justice
Victims’ families have spoken out, describing the factory as “third-world” and calling for accountability. Relatives mourn the loss of daughters and mothers, some of whom left behind young children.
“My mother was not meant to die so young in such a violent way. Someone else interfered with her fate and took away what we deserved,” said Angelos Liakos, son of a 47-year-old victim. Another relative described the overwhelming grief of losing a daughter, a mother, and a grandmother, highlighting the human cost of negligence.
