The owner of the Biolanta biscuit factory appeared at Trikala courts following the deadly explosion that claimed the lives of five female workers, in a case that has shocked the local community and beyond. Outside the courthouse, company employees and friends of the businessman gathered to express their support. However, scenes of applause for the owner provoked intense reactions, as families of the victims speak of serious negligence, dangerous conditions and grave charges that now amount to felony offenses.
Biolanta: “We’re talking about murder with possible intent”
According to reports, the charges have been upgraded to murder with possible intent, while felony offenses are being discussed. The son of Agapi Bounova, one of the victims, in a social media post, dramatically described the events of that fatal night, emphasizing that the five women were “blown into the air” during the night shift. In the same post, he notes that by pure luck there were no more victims, while referencing evidence that, as he claims, emerged from the Fire Department, witnesses and experts. At the same time, he mentions the closure of another factory owned by the same businessman, citing documents from the Thessaly Region stating there was immediate danger to facility and employee safety due to lack of certificates and fire protection measures.
Detailed post by Agapi Bounova’s son
“I know that my mother Agapi Bounova, Elena Katsarou, Vasiliki Kabantoni, Voula Boukouvala and Anastasia Anasiou were blown into the air while working the night shift inside the factory. I know that by pure luck, there weren’t others in the victims’ place. I know the evidence that has come to light from so many different sources, in so many different ways. Fire Department, witnesses, experts, employees,” states Agapi’s son and continues: “I know that there has been an upgrade of charges and we now speak of murder with possible intent. I know we’re now talking about felony charges. I know that another factory of the same person was closed because, according to the Thessaly Region, as stated in the relevant document, we judge that immediate danger is caused to the safety of installations and employees, due to non-existence of valid tank inspection certificates and non-existence of fire protection certificate or proof of fire protection study filing. I know and have seen videos of how this particular employer treated union members and with what terms and threats ensured that employees would behave as desired. I know that the place is small and their eyes will someday meet the eyes of victims’ families, orphans, widows, parents who lost their children. I know that someday they will pass by the graves of their colleagues, which could have been their own.”
Biolanta: Anger over applause and gatherings
Images of employees applauding outside the courthouse triggered anger from relatives. Agapi Bounova’s husband, speaking publicly, expressed his bitterness and indignation, questioning the stance of those choosing to stand by the accused. Similarly, another victim’s father emphasized that society knows and judges, sending his own message of dignity through the pain. Particularly charged was the phrase from Agapi Bounova’s son’s post, that “the grave of their colleagues could have been their own,” pointing out that the conditions leading to the tragedy could have cost the lives of other workers as well.
The Biolanta case continues to provoke reactions, with Trikala society closely following developments and victims’ families demanding justice and full investigation of responsibilities.
