New details have emerged following the catastrophic explosion at the Violanta cookie factory in Trikala, revealing that the five female victims were discovered beneath the rubble of the collapsed roof.
Investigators noted that the death toll could have been even higher; many of the thirteen night-shift workers survived only because they were taking a break outside the building or were positioned near the exits when the blast occurred.
There were reportedly fewer people than usual on shift following the company’s annual “Vasilopita” (New Year’s cake) cutting ceremony held just hours earlier. In a haunting turn of events, Greek broadcasting channel Star released the final photograph of three of the victims. The image shows the women smiling and embracing during the celebration—completely unaware that their life would be ending while on the following shift.
Residents of Trikala and grieving relatives shared that mothers with young children often preferred the night shift. “They chose these hours so they could work through the night and be home with their children during the day,” one acquaintance noted.
Gas leak the likely cause of the Trikala explosion
Rescue teams from EMAK worked through the debris to recover the bodies from the production wing.
The Fire Service’s Arson and Crimes Division (DAEE) has taken over the investigation. Early findings suggest a gas leak from the industrial ovens as the primary cause, though experts are also investigating the possibility of a “dust explosion” involving raw materials like flour or fine sugar. Authorities have ruled out foul play.
The tragedy comes at a time of unprecedented growth for Violanta. Founded in 2003, the company had recently evolved from a local bakery into an international exporter with annual sales nearing €45 million ($53.4 million).
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