A violent factory explosion followed by a massive fire at the Violanta Biscuit Factory in Trikala early Monday morning killed five female workers and injured six others, including a firefighter. The blast occurred around 3:55 a.m. after a gas leak inside the factory created an explosive mixture near the ovens.
Victims identified
The first victim identified is 42-year-old Vasiliki Skampardoni from Gardiki, mother of two, previously a local hairdresser. Other victims include 45-year-old Elena Katsarou from Glinos and Stavroula Boukovala from Karditsa.
All three women were mothers and had chosen the night shift to spend the day with their children. The other two victims, yet to be officially identified, also worked in production.
The women were trapped in the basement production area after the explosion split the factory in two and caused the roof to collapse.
Explosion and fire sequence
Workers had celebrated the New Year’s pie-cutting event the day before, reducing the night shift from 30 to 12 employees. Most workers were outside on break during the blast, which prevented a larger death toll.
The explosion caused the factory ceiling and floor to collapse, and flames quickly spread through the basement. Videos captured by local media show the devastating intensity of the blast.
Rescue efforts
Firefighters deployed 53 personnel, 16 fire trucks, specialized vehicles, and drone teams from EMΑK units. Teams worked to remove debris carefully, searching for human remains and extinguishing smoldering areas. Authorities recovered bodies and other human remains for DNA identification.
The Arson Crimes Response Team has begun investigating the incident. Officials suspect that a gas leak in the ovens’ area triggered the blast. External gas tanks remained intact, but a leak inside the building may have created the explosive mixture.
Injured workers and hospital response
Six other workers and one firefighter sustained injuries and were transferred to Trikala State Hospital for precautionary treatment.
Community grief and company response
The Violanta company released a statement expressing deep sorrow: “No words can describe the human pain caused by such a tragedy. Our only concern is to support the families of the victims.”
In Trikala’s central square, relatives and residents held a protest organized by the Trikala Labor Center. Authorities announced a 24-hour strike in the private sector on Tuesday, demanding a full investigation into the causes of the explosion.
Also read: Trikala factory explosion: Focus on causes after four deaths
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