Feb 18 • 05:12 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece To Vima

Violanta: The Odor Blamed on the Sewer, Ignored Alarms, and the Key Testimony of the Guard

Workers at the Violanta factory reported a strong gas smell before an explosion killed five employees, raising concerns about workplace safety.

The Violanta factory in Greece was the site of a tragic explosion that claimed the lives of five workers, just 15 days after employees reported a pervasive gas odor in the facility. Despite complaints of a burning sensation in their eyes due to the gas smell, management downplayed the concerns, attributing the odor to the sewage system. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a worker tasked with plumbing duties admitted to a lack of formal qualifications to handle propane installation, suggesting negligence in hiring practices within the facility.

In addition to the alarming scent, the factory's electrical systems are now under scrutiny. Reports from company electricians suggest that the spark which ignited the explosion may have originated from a simple relay switch, which lacked the necessary explosion-proof features despite the presence of flammable materials. This raises significant questions about the factory's adherence to safety regulations and protocols in terms of both gas handling and electrical safety standards.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover any potential criminal liabilities related to the explosion. Authorities are examining both the plant's operational procedures and the qualifications of the staff, emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This incident highlights broader concerns about worker safety in industrial settings across Greece, reinforcing the importance of effective oversight and regulation in protecting employees from preventable harm.

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