A prolonged propane gas leak beneath the Violanta biscuit factory has been blamed for the explosion in Trikala that killed five workers, according to Greece’s fire service.
Investigators said propane used for the factory’s ovens escaped from underground pipes over several months, spreading through the soil and accumulating in a basement area before being ignited by an electrical spark.
Fire service chief Major General Anastassios Mihalopoulos said detectors recorded “extremely high concentrations of propane,” adding that the leak extended for about 25 metres underground.
“Our detectors recorded extremely high concentrations of propane,” Mihalopoulos said.
“This significant leak, through the ground, continued for about 25 meters and (the gas) collected in a basement where, due to sparks caused by electrical equipment in the factory, it exploded.”
The factory owner and two managers were arrested on Tuesday and are facing charges of manslaughter and negligence.
Survivors told investigators they had noticed the smell of gas before the blast, while authorities said the site should have been fitted with gas detectors but was not.
Propane was stored in two large tanks roughly 30 metres from the explosion point and fed to the ovens through underground piping, the fire service said.
Source: Ekathimerini.
