“Once again, the region of Western Attica—and beyond—was threatened by an industrial accident, this time due to the fire at the GEOCHEM chemical- fertiliser company in Aspropyrgos,” the KKE’s North-West Attica branch stated. “There is still no official information on the materials burned or the circumstances leading to the fire. However, it has been reported that the fire reached a tank of nitric acid, and as a result, three firefighters suffered respiratory problems and were taken to the hospital.”

The statement underscores the dangers posed by nitric acid, a highly hazardous substance that can cause severe respiratory, eye, and skin damage, and can be fatal if inhaled or ingested. Nitric acid is also known to corrode metals and potentially reignite fires, raising alarms about the possibility of large-scale industrial accidents in facilities handling toxic, flammable, and explosive materials, especially those located near residential areas.

KKE drew parallels to international incidents, such as the 2001 explosion at a fertiliser factory in Toulouse, France, which resulted in 31 deaths, numerous injuries, and significant material damage. They argue that such accidents highlight the inherent risks of operating chemical plants in proximity to homes and other social infrastructure.

“In this specific accident at GEOCHEM, as in previous incidents, the responsibility for protecting the health of residents and workers has been reduced to ‘personal responsibility,’ with authorities merely advising people to close their windows and avoid going outside,” the statement continued. “This reflects a broader absence of state control, allowing businesses to operate without necessary preventive measures, endangering lives for the sake of profitability.”

The Communist Party of Greece is demanding several immediate actions in response to the Aspropyrgos fire:

  • Immediate pollution control: Implement measures to limit pollution in the wider area.
  • Thorough investigation: Conduct a full investigation into the causes of the accident and provide immediate information about the dangers of the materials that were burned. The state must ensure the protection of workers and residents, and fully guarantee the salary and insurance rights of the affected workers.
  • Industrial safety measures: Enforce comprehensive technical and organizational measures to protect workers and the population from major industrial accidents, with substantial state oversight of employer liability.
  • Risk assessments and planning: Conduct regional risk assessments and develop corresponding prevention and response plans, prioritising the protection of people and the environment over cost-benefit analyses for businesses.
  • Adequate staffing and training: Ensure sufficient, permanent, and properly trained personnel for the fire brigade and civil protection services, along with robust health and safety measures. Additionally, there should be regular training and information sessions for employees and residents.

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