ATHENS, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Four bodies were found after an explosion at a food factory in the central Greek city of Trikala, one worker remains missing, and several others were hospitalized, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported on Monday.
According to footage broadcast by ERT, the powerful shock wave split the large industrial building into two sections, hurling debris across the site and causing part of the roof to collapse. Firefighters said parts of the structure had been burning since around 4 a.m. (0200 GMT), with occasional flare-ups continuing hours later.
At the time of the explosion, about 12 employees were working the night shift. Rescue teams recovered four bodies from the debris, while one person remains unaccounted for. Search operations are ongoing under difficult conditions due to structural instability and lingering fire hotspots.
At least seven people, including six workers and one firefighter, were taken to Trikala General Hospital. Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said they are in good condition and not seriously injured.
The Fire Service's Arson Crimes Directorate (DAEE) has taken over the preliminary inquiry. A specialized unit is working to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the subsequent blaze.
The leading scenario under examination involves a possible gas leak that might be ignited by a spark. Initial assessments indicate that the explosion likely originated in the production area, specifically near the factory's gas-powered ovens, which were operating around the clock. Authorities said gas cylinders capable of causing such a large blast were unprecedented, but substances such as ammonia or propane are being considered as possible contributing factors.
Firefighters remain at the scene to continue extinguishing the blaze. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. ■
