The owner of the Violanta factory is expected to testify on Tuesday regarding the conditions that led to the deadly explosion, after the arson charge was upgraded to a felony. According to ERT, the investigation reveals serious shortcomings in factory safety and infrastructure, while new information strengthens the case that a propane leak had been known since June but was not addressed in time due to financial disputes.

From misdemeanor to felony

The upgrade of charges in the tragedy at the Violanta factory in Trikala marks the latest development in a complex case. The Trikala Prosecutor’s Office decided to elevate the charge from negligent misdemeanor to a felony with potential intent, following new revelations and evidence from expert and employee testimonies.

In the initial phase of the investigation, the charge concerned negligence related to the explosion that killed five women. However, in light of the new findings, the charge was expanded to include potential intent, as the safety deficiencies and the failure to promptly address the propane leak significantly aggravate the case.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, the factory owner was arrested and placed in temporary detention, pending testimony before the investigating judge on Tuesday morning.

Findings by the DAEE: Propane smell since June

The DAEE compiled a supplementary case file citing multiple statements from experts and factory workers. These testimonies confirm that a strong smell of propane was present as early as June, indicating that the problem existed long before the tragedy. Despite repeated warnings and complaints by employees, factory management allegedly ignored the danger signs, even though a private technician had visited the site to assess the issue.

According to the testimonies, attempted repairs were never completed due to financial disagreements between the owner and the technicians. The neglect of an issue that clearly posed serious risks became a central focus of the investigation.

Explosion force equivalent to 185 kg of TNT

Investigators found that the explosion was caused by a propane leak from a corroded pipe in the factory basement. The pipe had been installed in violation of regulations—laid directly on soil without proper protection—leading to deterioration from fertilizers used in nearby fields. The leak turned the basement into a “propane bomb.”

Experts concluded that the leak was ignited by a spark from a water pump. The blast’s force was estimated to be equivalent to 185 kilograms of TNT, causing the instantaneous dismemberment of the five victims and underscoring the gravity of the safety failures.

Falsified studies and inadequate safety systems

The DAEE’s supplementary investigation also revealed serious inaccuracies in the engineering studies submitted for the factory’s installations. Specifically, it emerged that the company concealed from the Fire Service and the regional authorities the existence of two above-ground tanks, placed closer than the legally required 7.5 meters from the factory boundaries, in breach of safety regulations.

Moreover, photographs made public show that the factory’s safety systems were largely fictitious. Detectors declared operational were not connected to the power grid, with cables painted onto walls to create the illusion of functionality. At the same time, pipelines were connected using simple fittings instead of approved methods.

The deplorable state of the safety systems confirms the extent of neglect and regulatory violations at the industrial facility.