According to a statement by the Fire Department, the technical investigation identified two above-ground propane tanks, with capacities of 5,000 and 9,000 litres, located around 30 metres from the area of the blast. Investigators found ice on the piping of the 5,000-litre tank, an indication of recent operation. The tanks were linked via underground pipes that ran beneath an asphalted area and entered the building’s ground floor to supply the factory ovens.

After specialised testing using nitrogen, investigators detected a leak in the ground. An excavation to a depth of around 60 centimetres revealed what the Fire Department described as an extensive underground leak, with detection equipment recording extremely high propane concentrations. The leaked gas is believed to have migrated through the soil for roughly 25 metres and accumulated in an underground space. There, the presence of sparking from electromechanical equipment in the facility allegedly triggered the explosion.

The Fire Department said the incident began in the early hours of January 26, 2026. The Trikala Fire Service was notified at 03:56 and the first fire engine arrived at 04:11. A large response was mobilised, including 13 fire engines, a boom truck, auxiliary vehicles, two EMAK rescue teams, and a drone team, with 53 firefighters taking part. Police, ambulances and municipal water tankers were also deployed, while the Trikala prosecutor was present to coordinate operational and investigative procedures.

The factory was operating on a 24-hour basis at the time, the statement said, with 13 workers on site, four men and nine women. Eight workers left the building after the incident. Six were taken to hospital, three by ambulance and three by their own means, while two others returned home. Fire crews then carried out search operations for the remaining five workers, all women. Two bodies were located at around 07:55, a third at 08:10, a fourth at around 12:00, and the fifth on January 27.

The Fire Department said the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes was activated immediately, with specialist teams carrying out scene mapping, evidence collection and laboratory examinations, and taking statements from employees and other involved persons.

It also confirmed that three Greek nationals were arrested on January 27 in connection with alleged acts or omissions related to manslaughter by negligence, serious bodily harm, arson and explosion. The arrested individuals were brought before the Trikala prosecutor, while the expert assessment and final technical report are still in progress.

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