Charges upgraded and arrests made in Violanta factory explosion case

The investigation into the deadly explosion at the Violanta biscuit factory in Trikala has led to the rearrest of the owner, the safety technician, and the shift manager. Authorities upgraded the charges to felonies, including homicide with eventual intent and causing an explosion with potential intent. This decision followed findings by the Arson Crimes Division regarding severe safety violations and criminal omissions. Reports indicate that an intense smell of propane had been reported by employees since June, but repairs were never conducted. Evidence shows the owner rejected a technician's quote for system upgrades roughly six months ago due to the high cost. Furthermore, investigations revealed that the underground gas pipes lacked certification and the storage tanks had been deemed unsuitable since 2019. The explosion, equivalent to 185 kilograms of TNT, was triggered by a spark from a boiler when a worker turned on a faucet to wash her hands. Five female employees lost their lives in the resulting fire and blast, and the owner remains in custody until his testimony.