Developments are unfolding rapidly in the case of the deadly explosion at the “Violanta” biscuit factory, as the 54-year-old owner has been ordered into temporary custody. Officers from the Arson Crime Investigation Department arrested him, executing an investigator’s warrant for his re-arrest and brought him before the prosecutorial authorities. He faces serious charges, including the felony of explosion with possible intent, as well as involuntary manslaughter. He was given time to present his defense and is being held at the Trikala Police Department until then.
The ignored evidence in the deadly Violanta factory explosion
Twenty days after the deadly explosion and fire at the Violanta factory that claimed the lives of five women, developments are moving at lightning speed. Testimonies from mechanical engineers and hydraulic technicians who certified the operation of the fatal propane tanks and Violanta’s piping systems are expected to shed light on the “murky” points that led to omissions and irregularities in both the tanks and safety measures that would have “prevented” the propane leak that caused the deadly explosion.
“They ignored all the warnings made by workers about what was truly a premeditated workplace crime,” said the President of the Labor Center of Trikala. The prosecutor who received the multi-page investigation from the Arson Crime Investigation Department reportedly found criminal negligence in the preliminary investigation material.
Five months ago, there were reports of gas odors, which however were never investigated. As determined, the underground pipelines lacked the necessary certifications, while the above-ground tanks had been deemed unsuitable as early as 2019.
The reasons that led to the owner’s arrest
As stated by Vasilis Lambropoulos, police correspondent for the newspapers “TO VIMA” and “TA NEA,” there are six reasons that led to the change in charges and the owner’s arrest. Specifically, there were 15 employee testimonies reporting that they had warned about leaks. It was also found that no funds were approved for pipeline repairs. According to the police correspondent, a technician testified that he requested pipeline repairs worth 30,000 euros, but the amount was not approved.
Additionally, there were many construction errors in the pipelines and problems with the tank network. Furthermore, there was concealment of propane leak inspections, while there were also indications of fake urban planning inspections. MEGA secured the document proving that fake urban planning inspections took place.
Two testimonies, according to MEGA’s information, illuminate the guilty secrets. The case file remains open and is expected to be completed once DAEE officials submit their final report.
