At least four people were killed after a massive fire broke out at a biscuit manufacturing unit in central Greece, marking one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years, officials said on Monday.
The incident occurred at the Violanta factory, located outside the city of Trikala, around 245 km northwest of Athens. According to authorities, the fire erupted shortly before 4 am during the night shift, when 13 workers were inside the food production plant.
Explosion preceded deadly blaze
The Greek fire brigade said a powerful explosion preceded the fire, causing extensive damage and leading to the collapse of large sections of the factory building. Television visuals showed the factory reduced to gutted ruins as firefighters combed through debris.
Six employees and one firefighter were hospitalised following the incident. Greece’s health ministry said all those injured were in stable condition and not believed to be in immediate danger.
Company confirms incident, probe underway
In a statement, Violanta said the fire broke out in one wing of the factory for reasons that remain unknown. “A serious incident occurred at our factory premises during the night shift,” the company said, adding that it is cooperating fully with authorities.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said a special fire department team has begun investigating the cause of the explosion and blaze. “We must know exactly what happened and assign responsibility where it is due,” he told his cabinet, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
Major industrial unit
The Trikala plant is Violanta’s first and largest facility, producing around 12,500 tonnes of biscuits, cookies and wafers annually. The brand is among Greece’s fastest-growing food companies, exporting products to nearly 40 countries.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in Greece. Officials described the incident as one of the most fatal factory accidents in several years, drawing comparisons to past industrial disasters that claimed multiple lives.
Excerpt
At least four people were killed after a powerful explosion triggered a fire at a biscuit factory in central Greece, one of the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in years.