Explosion and Fire at Greek Biscuit Factory Kill Three, Two Missing

An explosion and fire at the Violanta S.A. biscuit factory in Trikala, Greece, killed at least three workers and left two missing. Eight employees escaped, and six others, including a firefighter, were treated for smoke inhalation. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast while continuing search and rescue operations, and the company is focusing on supporting affected workers and their families.

An explosion followed by a massive fire tore through a biscuit factory near the central Greek city of Trikala, resulting in the deaths of at least three workers and leaving two others unaccounted for, authorities reported on Monday. The blast occurred during the night shift at the Violanta S.A. plant, triggering a significant fire that sent thick, black smoke billowing into the sky and prompted an urgent emergency response from local authorities.
The fire brigade dispatched approximately 40 firefighters and 13 fire engines to the scene, working for hours to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings or industrial facilities. Of the 13 people who were present at the factory at the time of the explosion, eight were able to escape with their lives, while three bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Two additional workers were reported missing, and search operations were ongoing as emergency teams carefully combed through the damaged areas of the factory.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Violanta S.A. released a statement carried by the Athens News Agency, emphasizing that the company is prioritizing support for the affected employees and their families during this difficult time. Authorities are coordinating with disaster response teams and investigators to determine what triggered the blast and to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the fire.
In addition to the fatalities, six people, including a firefighter, were treated at a hospital in Trikala, primarily for breathing difficulties caused by smoke inhalation. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis told ERTnews radio that none of the hospitalized individuals were in life-threatening condition, providing some reassurance amid the tragic incident.
Investigators, emergency responders, and disaster management teams remained at the factory site as authorities worked to understand the sequence of events leading to the explosion. The focus is now on determining the exact cause of the incident, preventing further casualties, and supporting the families of those affected by the disaster. The fire has also raised broader concerns about industrial safety protocols and emergency preparedness in manufacturing facilities across the region, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures to protect workers in industrial settings.