Large fire erupts at biscuit factory in central Greece: five workers missing

A major fire broke out early on January 26 at a biscuit factory near Trikala, in the central Greek region of Thessaly, leaving five female workers missing.

The blaze erupted around 4 a.m. local time at the Violanta factory, situated on the Trikala-Karditsa national highway. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The factory, which operates on a 24-hour shift schedule, was active at the time of the incident. Local reports indicated that a powerful explosion was heard shortly before 4 a.m., while 13 employees were inside the building. Eight workers managed to escape and were hospitalised at Trikala General Hospital.

Firefighting efforts began with 22 firefighters and nine vehicles, but as the fire intensified, authorities reinforced the response to 40 firefighters with 13 vehicles. Ambulances, heavy machinery, and water tankers from local authorities were also deployed to assist with containment.

The incident remains under investigation, and emergency services continue to search for the missing employees.

By Sabina Mammadli