The owner of the 'Violanta' biscuit factory in Trikala, Greece, is set to appear before an investigator today, following his temporary detention by the police due to a tragic explosion that resulted in the deaths of five female workers. This incident has escalated the legal ramifications for the factory's owner, who was arrested last Saturday by the Fire Crime Investigation Directorate, after the charges against him were upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony, suggesting greater culpability in the incident.

Specifically, the charges of arson and explosion have been elevated from involuntary misdemeanors to felonies with possible intent, leading to an immediate arrest warrant issued by the Trikala investigator. This upgrade in charges indicates a more serious outlook on the owner's responsibility regarding workplace safety and compliance with safety regulations, especially considering the loss of life involved. The owner's legal team is expected to request an additional 48-hour extension for their defense preparations before the hearing.

In a related development, the local government has also decided to suspend operations at the businessman’s second factory, 'Vitafree,' located in Larissa. This decision reflects a broader concern regarding operational safety in the manufacturing sector and the potential for systemic issues that could lead to further tragedies. The implications of these events highlight not only the legal responsibilities of factory owners but also the urgent need for regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety of workers in hazardous industries.