Aspropyrgos industrial fire injures 11, sparks arrests and safety outcry

A large fire and two explosions ripped through an industrial site in Aspropyrgos, a suburb of Athens, after workers were performing oxy‑fuel welding near a tanker loaded with about 1.5‑2 tonnes of propane. A worker’s cigarette ignited the first blast, and a second, stronger explosion ruptured the tanker, causing extensive damage to surrounding factories.

Eleven people were taken to hospitals with burns; three were in critical condition, two of whom were intubated. Police arrested the owner of the contractor and the tanker operator on suspicion of causing the fire and explosion, possibly through negligence or intent.

Trade unions and local organisations have called a protest for July 11, demanding a thorough investigation, stricter fire‑safety inspections, and stronger penalties for employers. The ELAS emergency response agency highlighted the incident as part of a pattern of repeated industrial fires in Greece, urging the ministry to maintain an updated register of high‑risk facilities and to enforce regular safety checks.