The investigation by officers of the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE) continues at full intensity at the Violanta factory in Trikala, which collapsed following a powerful explosion, resulting in the death of five female workers.

According to information from protothema.gr from well-informed sources, excavations will continue next week in order to locate new evidence, while additional supplementary testimonies will be taken from other individuals connected to the company.

At the same time, DAEE investigators on Thursday (28/1) obtained the company’s files from the Development Directorate of the Region of Thessaly in order to examine the operating permits.

Leak lasting for months, employees had reported it
As emerges from testimonies taken so far, many employees had noticed — some strongly, others faintly — a smell that resembled gas and had informed their supervisors accordingly.

This was also confirmed by the shift supervisor, who stated that some employees had reported the strange odor to him and that he, in turn, had passed the information on to the production manager.

From the investigation conducted by Fire Service officers, they quickly reached the conclusion that the cause of the deadly explosion was a propane leak. The gas accumulated in the basement, and a spark led to the massive explosion that cost five lives.

It is worth noting that, as appears from the investigation, the basement had not been declared and was mainly used as a storage area. The entry of propane into the basement occurred through openings in the reinforced concrete.

What investigators are now examining is whether the company had taken all necessary safety measures, while the most likely cause being examined for the gas leak is asphalt paving works carried out during the summer on the road above propane pipelines.