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Explosion in Aspropyrgos, Greece: Video Shows Blast, 11 Injured, Three Critical
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Explosion in Aspropyrgos, Greece: Video Shows Blast, 11 Injured, Three Critical

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • An explosion occurred at a recycling facility in Aspropyrgos, Greece, injuring 11 people.
  • Three individuals are in critical condition, requiring intubation.
  • Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, while firefighters battle the blaze amidst concerns over hazardous materials.

A dramatic explosion rocked a recycling facility in Aspropyrgos, Greece, leaving 11 people injured, three of whom are in critical condition and require intubation. Video footage captured the intense moment of the blast, highlighting the severity of the incident. Firefighting efforts are ongoing at the site, located at the intersection of Megaridou and Chios streets.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown. The fire is situated between adjacent commercial spaces, and the presence of flammable materials in the yard complicates the firefighters' work and increases the risk of further spread. The factory has been completely destroyed, and thick black smoke has engulfed the wider area, creating a suffocating atmosphere.

There are no staffed state departments to come here and inspect employers who leave workplaces as they please.

โ€” Stavros ChristidisStavros Christidis from the Western Attica Labor Center criticized the lack of state oversight in the industrial zone.

Following the fire, Stavros Christidis from the Western Attica Labor Center voiced serious accusations regarding the lack of state controls and inadequate safety measures in the Aspropyrgos industrial zone. "There are no staffed state departments to come here and inspect employers who leave workplaces as they please," Christidis stated, warning of the potential for a much larger industrial accident in Western Attica, given the presence of refineries and chemical companies.

Eleven people were transported to hospitals. Six were taken to Thriassio Hospital, where two are intubated, three have minor burns, and one was discharged. Five others were taken to Attikon Hospital, one of whom was intubated and transferred to KAT Hospital, while four presented with respiratory problems. The fire caused damage to at least two businesses. Firefighters are deploying 75 personnel with 20 vehicles and four special vehicles, including an aerial platform and a helicopter, to combat the blaze. Concerns have also been raised about a nearby propane-carrying truck.

There are refineries here, there are companies with chemicals. A large-scale industrial accident could happen in the area and we could mourn victims.

โ€” Stavros ChristidisChristidis warned about the potential dangers in the Aspropyrgos industrial zone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.