Three people arrested in connection with the deadly explosion and fire that struck a vinegar production factory in Examilia, Corinth, on Monday are due to appear before a prosecutor on Tuesday.
The suspects include the factory’s 47-year-old owner, a 46-year-old safety technician, and the 46-year-old operations supervisor. All three are accused of bearing responsibility for the conditions under which the fatal incident occurred. The explosion claimed the life of a 67-year-old worker and injured another person.
The latest industrial accident has raised serious questions about workplace safety in Greece. According to the investigation so far, authorities have identified significant omissions and failures to comply with required safety regulations and protective measures.
The preliminary investigation into the exact causes and circumstances of the incident is being conducted by the Corinth branch of the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate, the specialized unit of the Hellenic Fire Service responsible for investigating fires and explosions.
Authorities Issue Safety Warning
Following the tragedy, the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate issued a strong warning to business owners, safety officers, and employees, urging them to strictly follow workplace safety and fire prevention regulations.
Authorities stressed that any work or activity capable of triggering an explosion or fire should be avoided, particularly in areas where flammable materials or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations are present.
Video Captures the Moment of the Explosion
Video footage obtained by MEGA shows the moment the powerful explosion ripped through the factory.
How the Deadly Explosion Happened
According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred inside a tank containing 13,000 to 15,000 liters of a vinegar and alcohol mixture.
A loud blast was heard across the area, causing panic among local residents. A large fire broke out inside the factory shortly afterward.
The mixture inside the tank is believed to have ignited for reasons that remain unknown, triggering the powerful explosion and the fire that appears to have killed the worker.
At the time of the incident, welding work was reportedly being carried out on a tank inside the factory. Investigators are also examining whether there was a leak from a pipe running through the tank that carried propane.
The 67-year-old victim was the worker performing the welding work at the time of the explosion. Four other employees were inside the factory but managed to escape moments before the blast.
A gardener working outside the facility was taken to Corinth General Hospital after suffering a minor burn to his hand. His condition is not considered serious.
The worker who died, an Albanian national, was found inside the factory by his brother. The facility is a small operation employing no more than five or six workers and has operated at the same location for many years.
According to the report, the fire service had certified the facility only a few days before the explosion, although no further details have been made public.
A total of 32 firefighters, 10 fire engines, and a specialized ground response team were deployed to the scene.
