Patras: Worker killed in industrial accident at VIPE zone

A 59-year-old forklift operator, identified as Christos Katsakos, died on Saturday morning after being crushed by metal sheets at a facility in the Patras Industrial Area (VIPE). The victim, a resident of Sykhaina and father of two university students, had been employed at the site for approximately five months.

The Patras Labor Center has raised serious allegations regarding workplace safety at the facility, which operates as a slaughterhouse. According to union representatives, this marks the third major accident at the same factory within approximately 18 months, following a previous gas explosion and an incident involving an amputation.

Labor unions have criticized the facility for inadequate health and safety measures and reported that the Labor Inspection was not initially informed of the incident. They are calling for immediate inspections, the publication of findings, and the establishment of a 24-hour medical station within the industrial zone. Authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.