A new official report has confirmed that a massive propane leak was the primary cause of the deadly explosion at the Violanta factory, reinforcing earlier findings in the ongoing investigation.
The analysis, conducted by Greece’s General State Laboratory, identified widespread traces of propane and other chemical substances across the site, supporting initial conclusions about the scale and severity of the leak that led to the fatal incident.
Evidence points to extensive gas leak
According to the report, propane was detected in multiple samples taken from air, soil, and materials within and around the factory. In some cases, traces of liquefied gas were found as far as 100 meters (328 feet) from the site, highlighting the extent of the contamination.
A total of 24 samples collected on February 5 and 6, 2026, were analyzed as part of a preliminary investigation ordered by prosecutors in the region.
High concentrations of propane were found in materials near the underground gas pipeline, along with other gases such as isobutane and butane. Additional substances, including aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene and xylene, were also identified.
Findings highlight key areas of concern
Significant levels of propane were detected in burned materials from the factory’s basement and in soil samples taken from nearby areas, suggesting that the leak had spread widely before the explosion occurred.
The report also noted the presence of sulfur compounds, which contributed to the strong odor detected in gas samples taken from storage tanks at the facility.
Pipeline corrosion examined
Investigators identified signs of surface corrosion on sections of the underground pipeline connecting the factory’s storage tanks. However, the report concluded that the corrosion did not penetrate the pipe’s structure and was unlikely to have directly caused the leak.
The internal surface of the pipeline showed no visible damage or pitting that could explain a rupture, leaving open questions about the exact origin of the gas release.
The explosion at the Violanta factory resulted in the deaths of five female workers, prompting a wide-ranging investigation into safety conditions and possible failures.
