Deadly blaze at biscuit factory in early hours
Three women have lost their lives following a major factory fire that broke out in the early hours of Monday at the well-known biscuit manufacturing plant VIOLANTA in Trikala, Greece.
According to the Fire Service, the blaze erupted shortly before 4:00 am, after a powerful explosion that was heard across the city and in nearby villages. Windows reportedly rattled several kilometres away.
Workers trapped as section of plant collapses
At the time of the explosion, between 11 and 13 employees were inside the affected wing of the factory. Eight workers were taken to hospital to receive first aid, while five were initially reported missing.
Firefighters later located three of the missing workers unconscious. All three were confirmed dead. One firefighter was also transferred to hospital as a precaution. Authorities said that all injured individuals are in good health.
A section of the factory has collapsed as a result of the fire.
Explosion heard across the region
Witnesses told local media that the explosion preceded the fire, which triggered the Trikala factory fire and led to a large-scale emergency response. An employee at the scene stated that there were no liquefied petroleum gas tanks in the area where the blaze broke out.
Emergency services remain at the site, with 40 firefighters and 15 fire engines deployed. Police have closed Karditsis Street, while traffic is being diverted via the village of Agia Kyriaki to ensure public safety and facilitate rescue operations.
The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation.
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