Explosion and fire at cookie factory in Greece kills 5

Five women have perished and seven others sustained injuries following a devastating explosion at a cookie factory in central Greece, authorities confirmed Monday.

The blast occurred during the night shift at the Violanta biscuit plant near Trikala, approximately 320 kilometers north of Athens. Among the injured was a firefighter who participated in the emergency response. All victims are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, with none reported to be in serious condition.

Firefighting teams worked tirelessly to battle the blaze that engulfed the facility in the aftermath of the explosion. After bringing the fire under control, rescue workers recovered the bodies of four women from the charred ruins. Parts of a fifth victim’s remains were subsequently found, with officials stating that formal identification would require DNA testing.

The catastrophe prompted a somber address from Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a televised Cabinet meeting. “Unfortunately, the day began in the shadow of the tragic accident in Trikala, at a modern food production facility,” Mitsotakis said. “Our thoughts today are with the families of the victims. On behalf of the entire Cabinet, I express to them our deepest condolences.”

Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion may have originated near the factory’s industrial ovens, which operate continuously to meet production demands. Police are continuing their inquiry to determine the precise cause of the blast.

Violanta, a well-established local business with national reach, has built its reputation producing a variety of popular baked goods. The company’s product line includes wholewheat cookies, chocolate-sandwich biscuits, and cereal bars that are distributed throughout Greece.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards in food production facilities across the region. According to data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the food manufacturing sector faces unique hazards related to continuous production processes and equipment that operates at high temperatures.

This tragedy occurs amid a broader context of industrial accidents in Greece that have raised questions about workplace safety protocols. Labor unions have increasingly called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and more frequent inspections of manufacturing facilities, particularly those operating around the clock with reduced staffing during night shifts.

The food production industry in Greece represents a significant component of the country’s manufacturing sector, employing thousands of workers and contributing substantially to the national economy. Companies like Violanta play an important role in both local employment and the broader food supply chain.

The city of Trikala, located in the agricultural heartland of the Thessaly region, has a strong tradition of food production and processing. The area is known for its agricultural output and has seen growth in food manufacturing over recent decades.

Local officials have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. Safety experts note that industrial ovens and related equipment can pose significant risks if not properly maintained or operated, particularly in facilities running continuous production schedules.

Community response has been swift, with local residents offering support to the families affected by the tragedy. The incident has shaken the tight-knit community, where many families have connections to the local manufacturing sector.

As the investigation continues, attention will focus on determining whether proper safety protocols were in place and functioning at the time of the explosion, and what measures might prevent similar incidents in the future.