Three women lost their lives in the large fire that broke out early Monday morning at the well-known VIOLANTA biscuit factory in Trikala.
The fire broke out just before 4:00 a.m. and burned down a wing of the factory. A short time earlier, a powerful explosion occurred.
According to information, five female workers were at the scene of the explosion.
Three have been found dead while the other two are missing.
Five more workers and a firefighter were taken to the hospital. According to information, all the injured are in good health.
Watch video:
Part of the business has collapsed due to the explosion and fire.
According to an employee, there were no LPG tanks at the site where the fire broke out.
Due to the fire, the police authorities have closed Karditsi Street, while vehicle traffic is being diverted from the village of Agia Kyriaki, in order to facilitate the work of rescue teams and ensure the safety of citizens and workers.
40 firefighters with 15 vehicles are operating on site, while EMAK is also at the scene. EMAK from Lamia has also been dispatched to the scene, while the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) has also been ordered to go there.
The first announcement of "Violanta"
Before the tragic developments from the fire at the factory in Trikala became known, "Violanta" stated the following in a statement:
"Today a serious incident occurred at our factory premises, during the night shift, for a currently unknown reason.
The Fire Department and the competent authorities are at the scene and are working.
There are 5 missing workers and every effort is being made by the Fire Department and the competent authorities to locate them.
"At this time, our only concern is our people. We stand with them and their families and do everything possible to support them. At the same time, we are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and providing all available assistance."
"The explosion was heard all the way to Trikala, it was so loud, we are waiting," said a relative of a missing person.
Relative of missing person in Violanta factory fire
"So far, three deaths have been confirmed, there are two others who are missing. The situation is tragic and difficult," said the president of the Trikala workers' center.
Source: protothema.gr
