A devastating fire tore through a factory in Trikala, Greece in the early hours of Monday, January 26, claiming the lives of three women, while two more employees remain unaccounted for, according to emergency services.
The three bodies were found inside the building as firefighters continued to battle the blaze, which has been raging since before dawn. Rescue teams are still searching the premises for the two missing workers.
Workers injured as explosion precedes blaze
At the time of the incident, 12 to 13 employees were reportedly inside the factory. Eight workers sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
According to initial information, a powerful explosion occurred shortly before the fire broke out. The blast was strong enough to bring down a wall and cause the roof to collapse. Residents reported hearing the explosion across parts of the city.
Possible causes under investigation
As reported by ERT, there were no liquefied petroleum gas cylinders at the site that would easily explain the scale of the explosion. However, ammonia and propane have been cited as materials present at the facility and are being examined as possible causes.
Firefighting operation ongoing
A major firefighting operation is under way, with 40 firefighters and 13 vehicles deployed at the scene. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigations continue into the exact circumstances that led to the explosion and subsequent fire.
This is a developing story.