Police and labour inspectors have launched dual investigations into the death of a 63-year-old electrician who died in a fire at a polystyrene factory in Dromolaxia on Monday morning.
The victim was conducting electrical work on the first floor while the factory owner and three workers were carrying out maintenance on the ground floor. Investigators are examining whether sparks from tools being used may have ignited the blaze.
“Maintenance work was being carried out at the factory and it appears the fire started due to these operations”, Evangelitsa Tsoulofta, senior labour inspection officer, told philenews. She added that the rapid spread of the fire may have been fuelled by cardboard packaging materials stored on site.
Tsoulofta said investigators would examine whether proper safety protocols were followed. “For any work undertaken, there should be a written risk assessment considering the workspace environment and establishing measures to prevent exposure to danger. In this case, something clearly went wrong”, she said.
While the four people on the ground floor managed to escape, the owner, who suffered burns and is currently hospitalised, attempted unsuccessfully to rescue the 63-year-old victim. The entire factory was engulfed in flames within five minutes due to flammable materials on site.
Police sources said statements are being taken from workers who were present, with the owner to be interviewed when his condition permits. Fire services will investigate the cause once the site is certified safe for inspection.
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