Trikala: Depositions Taken in Violanta Factory Blast Case, Investigation at Second Factory

Investigations continue into the deadly explosion at the Violanta factory in Trikala, with the Fire Service's Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) having taken numerous depositions. The factory owner is expected to testify on Tuesday, facing upgraded charges of arson.

Simultaneously, questions arise regarding a second factory belonging to the Violanta group in Petroporos, Trikala, where unknown individuals have been excavating on the premises. DAEE reportedly lacks jurisdiction in this particular case.

The investigation reveals serious safety deficiencies at the Violanta factory, with indications that the propane leak was known since June but not addressed due to financial disputes. The charge related to the explosion has been upgraded from misdemeanor negligence to felony with possible intent.

According to DAEE, the propane odor was strong since June, and employees had warned of the danger. The explosion, caused by a propane leak, had a force equivalent to 185 kg of TNT.

Furthermore, the factory's facility studies are allegedly falsified, and the safety systems were fake.