Trikala: Four workers dead from the fire – Factory split in two

In the worst possible way, the incident involving the explosion and the fire that followed in the early hours of Monday (26/1) at a well-known biscuit factory (Violanta) in Trikala is unfolding, as four bodies of workers who had been missing have been located, while searches continue for one more person.

Everything happened shortly before 4:00 a.m., when the fire broke out and is still burning, with firefighting operations ongoing. According to information, 13 people were in the wing of the building, five of whom were initially unaccounted for. They were female workers who were in the production department. Shortly before 9:00 a.m., four bodies of workers were found, while one more person remains missing.

Large explosion before the fire

According to eyewitness accounts, the fire broke out after a large explosion. It is even reported to have been so powerful that it was heard in the city and at a very great distance in nearby villages, where windows rattled.

So far, the cause of the incident remains unknown.

However, as can be seen in images broadcast by television networks, part of the building was levelled due to the fire, with the result that the factory was literally split in two.

Six workers taken to hospital

Six workers have been taken to hospital following the deadly explosion. A firefighter has also been transferred, according to the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis.

As Mr Georgiadis explained, the patients are mainly suffering from respiratory problems and there is no cause for concern regarding their health. The minister also added that two psychologists were sent from the Karditsa Hospital to support the patients and their families.

“They are in good health. They do not have anything serious. They mainly have respiratory problems and there is no danger and no concern for their lives. We have also sent two psychologists from the Karditsa hospital for psychological support for them and their families.”

It is noted that at the time the fire broke out, the factory was in operation, as it runs on a 24-hour shift. Ambulances rushed to the scene, while, as the fire was burning uncontrollably, Fire Service forces were reinforced after 6:00 a.m. and there are now 40 firefighters with 13 vehicles operating at the site. Firefighting efforts are also being assisted by heavy machinery and municipal water tankers.

EMAK forces are also on standby, as a unit has arrived from Lamia, while an order has been given for a unit of the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes to also go to the scene.

The announcement by “Violanta”

The company also issued a statement regarding the incident, in which it notes that the fire broke out from an unknown cause. It should be noted that the statement was issued while five people were still missing.

In detail:

“Today, a serious incident occurred at the facilities of our factory during the night shift, from a cause that remains unknown at this time.

The Fire Service and the competent authorities are at the site and are operating.

There are 5 missing employees, and every possible effort is being made by the Fire Service and the competent authorities to locate them.

At this moment, the only thing that concerns us is our people. We stand by them and their families and are doing everything possible to support them. At the same time, we are fully cooperating with the competent authorities and providing all available assistance.”

Traffic arrangements

Due to the fire, police authorities have closed Karditsi Street, while vehicle traffic is being diverted through the village of Agia Kyriaki, in order to facilitate the work of rescue crews and to ensure the safety of citizens and workers.