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Fatal explosion at Greek vinegar factory caused by welding work, officials say
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Fatal explosion at Greek vinegar factory caused by welding work, officials say

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A fatal explosion occurred at a vinegar factory in Examilia, Corinthia, Greece, killing a 25-year-old worker.
  • The explosion, believed to have been caused by welding work creating an "explosive mixture," resulted in a fire that was quickly extinguished.
  • Four other workers inside the factory survived, and two individuals were taken to the hospital with minor burns.

A deadly explosion ripped through a vinegar production factory in Examilia, Corinthia, Greece, claiming the life of a 25-year-old employee. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 PM, is suspected to have originated from welding activities that created a volatile "explosive mixture," leading to a subsequent fire.

explosive mixture

— Yiannis ArtopoiosDeputy Spokesperson of the Fire Service, describing the suspected cause of the explosion.

The fire was rapidly brought under control by emergency services. Fire investigators are currently on-site collecting evidence and are expected to question the business owner, the safety technician, and the shift supervisor as part of their investigation into the circumstances of the accident. The factory, described as a small to medium-sized unit that has been operating in the area for about 15-20 years without prior incidents, was reportedly heard and felt miles away, with many initially mistaking the blast for an earthquake.

Mayor of Corinth, Nikos Stavrelis, confirmed that one young man tragically lost his life, while four other employees who were inside the facility at the time of the explosion managed to escape unharmed. Two individuals were transported to Corinth Hospital with minor burns, having been at a considerable distance from the immediate blast site; they received first aid and were subsequently discharged.

Unfortunately, we have a young person dead, 25 years old, while four other workers who were inside the business at the time were saved.

— Nikos StavrelisThe Mayor of Corinth, confirming the fatality and the survival of other workers.

The explosion's force was significant, causing panic among local residents. Firefighting efforts involved 35 firefighters, a specialized hiking team, volunteers, and 11 vehicles. The incident has prompted an investigation into the safety protocols and the exact cause of the explosion, with authorities working to determine how the dangerous mixture was formed during the welding process.

It has been in the area for about 15-20 years, without a similar incident having occurred before. The explosion was so strong that it was perceived at a distance of more than 10-15 kilometers, everyone thought an earthquake had occurred.

— Nikos StavrelisDescribing the factory's history and the intensity of the explosion.
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.

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