Tragedy at Violanta Biscuit Factory in Trikala: Death Toll Rises to Four, One Worker Still Missing

At least four female employees have been confirmed dead following a massive explosion and fire that tore through the Violanta biscuit factory on the Trikala-Karditsa highway in central Greece in the early hours of Monday.

The powerful blast occurred around 4:00 a.m. during a night shift, with 13 workers present in the facility. The explosion—heard across Trikala city center and surrounding villages—caused a section of the roof and wall to collapse, igniting a fierce inferno. Preliminary reports indicate the blast originated near the industrial ovens or in the building's central area, though no gas canisters (LPG cylinders) were present in the affected zone.

Of the 13 workers inside, eight managed to escape. Initial reports listed five women as missing; rescue teams recovered three charred bodies from the debris early that morning, with the death toll later rising to four as a fourth body was found. Intense search and recovery operations continue for the one remaining missing woman.

Six employees and one firefighter were transported to Trikala General Hospital, mainly for respiratory problems and smoke inhalation; they are reported in stable condition.

A major response is underway: 40 firefighters with 13 vehicles, heavy machinery, local water tankers, EMAK special rescue units, and investigators from the Arson Crimes Prevention Directorate (DAEE) remain on site to extinguish hotspots, clear wreckage, and determine the exact cause. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including potential arson.

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