Emergency Response Underway After Fire in Trikala Factory

A devastating explosion and fire at the Violanta biscuit factory near Trikala, Greece, has left five workers dead and triggered a major investigation into what caused the disaster.

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 26, 2026, while the factory was operating its night shift. Greece’s Civil Protection authorities said 13 people were working at the facility when the fire broke out. Eight workers managed to escape, while emergency crews began a large-scale search and rescue operation inside the damaged building. civilprotection.gov.gr+1

Emergency Crews Faced a Dangerous Scene

Firefighters battled the blaze for hours as parts of the factory were severely damaged by the explosion and subsequent fire.

Specialist teams, including emergency personnel from Larissa and investigators from Greece’s Fire Service, were deployed to the site. Authorities carried out detailed inspections, collected evidence and interviewed workers and other people connected to the incident. civilprotection.gov.gr

The tragedy ultimately claimed the lives of five female night-shift workers. Several other people, including a firefighter, were treated in hospital following the incident. AP News

Investigation Focuses on Propane System

Investigators have been examining the factory's fuel and gas systems as part of efforts to determine how the explosion occurred.

According to Greece's Civil Protection Ministry, investigators identified two above-ground propane tanks located roughly 30 meters from the area of the explosion. Underground pipes connected the tanks to the factory and supplied its ovens. civilprotection.gov.gr

Authorities have been examining whether a propane leak and possible safety failures contributed to the disaster. Prosecutors have also ordered an investigation into potential technical, legal and administrative responsibilities. tovima.com

Latest Legal Development

The tragedy has continued to have legal consequences months after the fire.

On September 1, 2026, the owner of the Violanta factory, Kostas Tziortziotis, was released from pretrial detention under restrictive conditions while the investigation continues. He is required to report to police monthly and is prohibited from leaving Greece. eKathimerini

Relatives of the five workers who died have since appealed the decision to release him under those conditions. tovima.com

The factory's general manager had also previously been released under conditions, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion remained ongoing. eKathimerini

A Community Still Mourning

The disaster has deeply affected Trikala and the families of the five women who lost their lives.

What began as an overnight shift at a food-production facility ended in one of the area's most serious industrial tragedies in recent years. Authorities continue to examine the evidence as they work to establish exactly what happened and whether safety failures played a role.

For the victims' families, the investigation remains about more than determining responsibility. It is also about understanding how such a tragedy happened and ensuring that the lessons from Trikala are not forgotten.ces