Alpha News

Violanta Factory Owner and Two Executives Arrested After Tragedy

Published January 27, 2026, 21:09

Following the tragedy at the Violanta factory in Trikala, where five women lost their lives, the owner, the safety technician, and the shift supervisor have been arrested. They face charges of manslaughter, explosion, negligent arson, and causing bodily harm. The three men are in custody and will be brought before the Trikala prosecutor tomorrow. The Violanta AE company issued a statement declaring full cooperation with the authorities in investigating the causes of the accident. The company emphasizes that the arrest of the owner and its executives was carried out in accordance with legal procedures. Initial findings suggest the tragedy was caused by a gas leak and a strong explosion in the factory's oven area. Investigations are ongoing, while the factory continues to smoke after the fire that followed the explosion. Authorities are conducting an on-site inspection and collecting evidence. Documents that have come to light show that Violanta had a fire safety study, which was electronically submitted by a competent engineer in September 2025. The fire broke out on Monday morning, shortly before 4:00 a.m., burning a wing of the factory. The deceased workers were found in the basement and on the upper floor of the building. The tragedy has plunged five families into mourning.