A major fire broke out in the early hours at the well-known biscuit manufacturer VIOLANTA in Trikala.

According to the Fire Service, the blaze started shortly before 4:00 a.m. and is engulfing a wing of the factory.

Reports indicate that 13 people were inside that wing at the time. Five have not yet been located, while the remaining eight were taken to hospital for first aid. State broadcaster ERT reports that the eight are in good health.

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Tragic fire destroys VIOLANTA industry in Trikala – first images, dawn 26/1/2026

According to testimonies cited by trikalaola.gr, the fire broke out following a large explosion.

The explosion was reportedly so powerful that it was heard across the city and at a great distance in nearby villages, where windows rattled. According to an employee at the site of the fire, there were no LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tanks present.

Due to the fire, police authorities have closed Karditsi Street, with traffic being diverted via the village of Agia Kyriaki, in order to facilitate the work of rescue crews and ensure the safety of residents and workers.

At the scene, 40 firefighters with 15 vehicles are currently operating.