“Biolanda”: Fears of New Explosion, 7 Fatal Errors, and Subsidy Before Tragedy

Nearly a week has passed since the fatal explosion and fire at the Biolanda biscuit factory in Trikala. Excavation efforts remain halted due to fears of another explosion—just a single spark from excavation machinery could trigger one, as propane pipes were found buried 1–1.5 meters deep with gas leakage spreading across ~25 meters. New safety measurements are scheduled for mid-next week. Workers had reported issues since last July—including excessive heat, electrical faults, and inadequate emergency exits. The company’s management barred union representatives from entering the facility in November 2025. Seven critical failures preceded the tragedy: unregistered propane tanks and areas; absence of an emergency response plan for gas leaks; insufficient or flawed inspections; improper underground propane piping without required safeguards; asphalt paving directly over buried propane lines; ignoring worker reports of suspicious odors; and no last-minute portable gas detector checks. Shockingly, just 24 hours before the explosion, Biolanda received a €2 million subsidy from the Thessaly Region—alongside provisions for nearly €900,000 in tax exemptions.