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Violanda: Owner Apologizes - Second Unit Closed, Third Under Investigation

Published February 17, 2026, 14:10
Violanda: Owner Apologizes - Second Unit Closed, Third Under Investigation

The owner of the “Violanda” factory has been given until 13:00 on Wednesday (February 18th) to provide a statement regarding the tragic accident. His lawyers requested the extension to prepare a defense statement, aiming to shift the blame to those who signed topographical diagrams and conducted inspections without detecting the leak. A second Violanda factory in Farkadona has also been closed due to a lack of updated inspection and fire safety certificates, posing an immediate risk to the safety of workers and facilities. An investigation is also underway at a third factory in Makrychori, Larissa. Officials from the Thessaly Region conducted a surprise inspection of the facilities, seeking studies for the tanks and the fire safety permit, which were not immediately provided. The investigations are being carried out under the “umbrella” of the Arson Crime Prevention Directorate. Workers have reported a strong odor from the toilets of the Trikala factory, which caused tears and had been reported to management without effective action being taken. The lawyer for the victims’ families is expected to present their defense strategy.