A catastrophic explosion at the Violanta biscuit factory killed four workers and left one woman missing early Monday, tearing through the facility with a force felt 9 miles away in one of Greece’s deadliest industrial accidents in years.
Forensic experts in nearby Larissa are working to identify four recovered bodies and additional human remains found in the wreckage. The blast occurred at 3:55 a.m. in the basement, trapping five female employees who were working in the immediate area.
"It looked like a war zone, as if a missile had hit," said Dimitris Armagos, head of the Trikala Labor Center. Mr. Armagos described the scene as "overwhelming" after the internal structures collapsed.
Investigators from the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate believe a spark or control switch ignited gas leaking into the piping system of industrial ovens, causing a rapid, devastating chain reaction. Despite the carnage, two external 9,000-liter propane tanks remained intact, indicating the destruction was focused inward.
Security camera footage from 5 miles away captured the deafening roar of the explosion. Authorities are currently questioning six surviving employees and a security guard to reconstruct the moments leading up to the tragedy.
As the Labor Ministry launches a probe into safety protocols at the plant, rescue teams continue to scour the debris, with officials warning the death toll could rise further as families wait for answers.