A catastrophic explosion at the Violanta biscuit factory in Trikala, Greece, has killed four female workers, leaving the local community in mourning and the facility heavily damaged. The blast, which occurred shortly after 9 a.m., has been described by local witnesses and union representatives as “like a bomb” or “like a missile” due to its sheer force.
Rescue teams initially found three bodies in the factory basement, followed by a fourth victim shortly after. The explosion destroyed the factory’s older rear section, where the blast is believed to have originated, likely near ovens operating around the clock. A fifth worker remains unaccounted for.
Firefighters, emergency teams, and specialized units from Trikala and Lamia have been deployed to the site. The Greek National Emergency Center (EKAB) transported at least seven individuals to the local hospital, mostly for precautionary reasons and respiratory issues.
The factory owner and Violanta released a statement expressing profound sorrow: “Today a serious incident occurred at our factory during the night shift for reasons currently unknown. Our sole concern is our employees. We stand with them and their families and will provide all possible support. We are cooperating fully with the authorities.”
Eyewitnesses describe the explosion as opening a massive crater in the building, with panels, walls, and the roof collapsing. Aerial footage shows the scale of destruction, with the rear factory completely flattened while the newer front section remains intact. Authorities noted that no gas cylinders were present, though ammonia and propane—potentially contributing factors—were on site.
The Trikala Labor Center criticized the lack of transparency regarding previous safety inspections. President Dimitris Armagos confirmed that inspections had been conducted last summer, but reports were never shared with the union, raising questions about whether safety protocols were fully enforced.
Some employees were spared due to a reduced night shift, limited to 12 workers instead of the usual 30, following a company event the previous day.
The community remains in shock, with the blast audible across Trikala, and authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion. Emergency services are urging residents to avoid the area as firefighting and rescue operations continue.
This tragic incident underscores the critical need for industrial safety measures in Greek manufacturing facilities and marks a somber moment for Trikala and the country’s workforce.
