Greek authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating factory fire that killed five female workers in one of the country’s most severe industrial accidents in recent years. The tragedy occurred at the Violanta biscuit manufacturing facility located near Trikala, approximately 245 kilometers northwest of Athens, where an early Monday explosion ignited a blaze that completely destroyed an entire section of the plant.
Security cameras in the vicinity captured the moment of the explosion, providing crucial evidence for investigators. Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis stated that authorities expected to develop an initial understanding of the fire’s causes imminently, emphasizing that the case would be thoroughly investigated.
The victims, all women who had chosen night shift work to spend daytime hours with their children, were recovered in stages due to persistent fire pockets that hampered rescue operations. Four bodies were located shortly after the blast, while the fifth victim was only discovered on Tuesday morning.
Local communities surrounding Trikala, which supply much of the factory’s workforce, have been deeply affected by the tragedy. The company asserted in an official statement that it strictly adheres to safety protocols and procedures, expressing grief over the loss of their employees while pledging full cooperation with investigating authorities.
This incident marks one of Greece’s deadliest industrial accidents in decades, raising concerns about workplace safety standards. A local trade union revealed it had never been permitted to inspect the burned facility, highlighting potential oversight issues. According to the federation of technical company employees, over 200 people died in work-related accidents throughout 2025.
The Violanta plant in Trikala, the company’s flagship facility, produced approximately 12,500 tonnes of biscuits, cookies, and wafers annually. The brand has experienced significant growth in the Greek market with substantial retail presence and exports to nearly 40 countries worldwide.