Greece Investigates Deadly Factory Fire That Claimed Five Lives

A tragic fire at the Violanta biscuit factory in Trikala, Greece, has resulted in the deaths of five workers, marking one of the country’s most devastating industrial accidents in recent years. The explosion occurred early on March 11, 2024, and was captured by security cameras, revealing the destruction of an entire section of the facility located approximately 245 kilometres (150 miles) northwest of Athens.

Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis stated on state television ERT that investigators are diligently working to determine the cause of the fire. “The case will be investigated to the end… possibly, even today, we may have an initial picture of what caused the fire,” he announced.

The fatalities, all women, were discovered in the aftermath of the explosion. Four victims were recovered shortly after the incident, while the fifth was found on March 12, as firefighters faced challenges due to persistent pockets of fire. Company representatives indicated that the death toll might have been higher had other employees not been on break at the time of the explosion.

The loss has deeply affected the local community in Trikala, where many of the factory’s workers reside. According to colleagues and family members, the deceased had opted for the night shift to ensure they could care for their children during the day.

In a statement, the Violanta company asserted that it “strictly applies protocols and procedures, adhering to all measures for the safety of our staff and facilities.” They expressed their sorrow for the tragic loss, stating, “We are mourning five of our own” and confirmed their full cooperation with investigating authorities.

This incident stands as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Greece in recent memory. Local trade unions have voiced concerns, noting that they have never been permitted to inspect the factory prior to the incident. According to the federation of technical company employees, over 200 individuals died in work-related accidents in 2025. Historical incidents include a refinery explosion in Elefsina that killed 15 people in 1992 and a dynamite factory explosion in Itea, which resulted in three fatalities in 2022.

The Violanta plant is significant for its production capacity, reportedly creating 12,500 tonnes of biscuits, cookies, and wafers annually. As one of Greece’s fastest-growing brands, it has a strong presence in retail and exports to approximately 40 countries. With a workforce of 2,400 employees representing 100 different nationalities, the incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community and raised critical questions about workplace safety standards in the country.