A deadly explosion ripped through a food manufacturing factory operated by Violanta in the central Greek city of Trikala early on Monday morning, killing five female workers according to local authorities.
The blast occurred just before 4:00 a.m., sending shockwaves across the city and causing widespread panic among residents. Witnesses reported that the sound of the explosion was heard up to eight kilometers away, underscoring the force of the incident. Audio recordings published by local media captured the moment of the blast.
The factory building was completely engulfed in flames following the explosion. Parts of the roof collapsed, wall panels were blown open, and one wall reportedly gave way entirely, splitting the structure in two. The explosion originated in the central section of an older factory building, located next to a newer, modern production unit that was not affected.
Possible causes under investigation
Authorities are examining multiple scenarios to determine the cause of the tragedy. While there were no liquefied gas storage tanks in the destroyed building, officials have not ruled out a leak of propane, ammonia, or another flammable gas. Industrial ovens were operating inside the facility, and investigators are assessing whether these systems may have played a role.
Local officials described the explosion as producing a “massive blast wave”, leaving workers near exits unable to assist colleagues trapped deeper inside the factory. Residents in nearby villages reported shaking windows and said they initially believed a bomb had detonated.
Safety concerns raised by labor representatives
The Trikala Labor Center, a regional workers’ union body, stated that it had repeatedly warned about workplace health and safety issues in local factories, including Violanta’s facilities. According to its president, union representatives had previously attempted to access the factory to conduct safety-related interventions but were denied entry beyond the main gate.
The Labor Center said it had raised concerns with labor inspectors and the fire service in recent months and pointed to past industrial accidents in the region, including a fatal incident at another factory three years ago.
Union officials described the scene after the explosion as resembling a missile strike, while relatives and coworkers of the victims gathered at the site and at the local hospital in distress.
