“I am the boss and you will do as I say. You install the pipe, and I...” What happened before the factory explosion?
New data on the fatal explosion case at the Violanta factory, in which five workers lost their lives, emerged from the testimony of a plumber from Trikala, who described how the external propane tank was connected to the facility, Prototema reports.
TL;DR
- A plumber testified that the factory owner insisted on connecting an external 5,000-liter propane tank directly to the building, disregarding safety recommendations.
- The owner allegedly stated, "I am the boss and you will do as I say. You install the pipe, and I will take responsibility."
- Photographs show a corroded pipe in the basement, placed directly on the ground without waterproofing.
- A topographical plan showed underground tanks, but a surveyor omitted them, claiming they were not in use.
- The gas shut-off valve was connected to a branch pipe, not the main one, and was not linked to a leak detection system.
- Experts believe the leak was intense enough that the propane tank's safety valve did not register it, pointing to a serious safety failure.