Larissa, Greece — Investigators are uncovering troubling details behind a tragic explosion at a biscuit factory, where five female employees lost their lives. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a significant gas leak had been present for months, raising questions about workplace safety standards and management’s response to hazardous conditions.
Witness testimonies reveal that workers had frequently detected the smell of liquefied petroleum gas in various areas of the factory, particularly the dishwashing section. One former employee reported that the odor was noticeable at least ten times during her tenure, well before the tragic incident. Despite these consistent warnings, management attributed the fumes to mechanical issues rather than addressing a potential gas leak.
The investigation has uncovered a critical conversation that occurred approximately three hours before the explosion on January 26. A worker approached a shift supervisor to express concern over a “strange smell resembling gas.” However, the supervisor dismissed the alarm, suggesting the odor stemmed from the dishwashing machinery. This exchange underscores a culture of negligence regarding safety protocols and hazard recognition.
Further inquiries revealed that the shift supervisor, who was later arrested as part of the investigation, had been aware of the gas smell for over a month leading up to the explosion. He indicated he had alerted senior management about the odor, including production and technical heads, as well as the factory’s plumber. However, investigators found no records of any comprehensive safety inspection being conducted in response to these alerts.
According to the fire service report, evidence suggests that the gas leak was not a recent development. The findings indicate that it could have persisted for four to five months prior to the explosion, raising serious questions about the factory’s operational oversight and maintenance protocols.
Union representatives and safety advocates are calling for stricter regulations and an independent review of safety practices in the workplace. They contend that systematic failures contributed to a preventable disaster and demand accountability from factory management and local authorities.
The loss of the five workers has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about workplace safety reform and the need for diligent hazard assessments in industrial environments. As the investigation unfolds, families of the victims are calling for justice and transparency, seeking answers about the conditions that led to this heartbreaking event.