A powerful explosion tore through a biscuit factory in the Greek town of Trikala early Sunday morning, triggering a massive fire that engulfed much of the industrial complex and left at least five people dead. The blast occurred at approximately 4 a.m. local time, collapsing large sections of the building and trapping workers inside as flames rapidly spread across the site.

Dramatic footage from the scene shows towering flames and thick smoke pouring from the Violanta biscuit factory as emergency crews rushed to contain the fire. Firefighters battled intense heat and structural instability while searching for survivors amid the debris. Authorities confirmed that several individuals were injured in the explosion, including at least one firefighter, while one person remains missing as search and recovery operations continue.

The scale of the damage indicates a powerful internal blast, with much of the factory’s infrastructure destroyed in seconds. Emergency responders described the scene as extremely dangerous, with recurring flare-ups complicating rescue efforts. Medical teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals as officials secured the surrounding area to prevent further casualties.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, where the factory was a major employer. Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the explosion, examining whether industrial equipment failure, gas buildup, or other factors may have played a role. As Greece mourns the loss of life, the incident underscores the inherent risks of industrial operations and the critical importance of safety protocols to protect workers and first responders.