Explosion at vinegar factory in Examilia kills 25-year-old worker, fire destroys plant
A powerful explosion at a vinegar production plant in Examilia, Corinthia, on Monday killed a 25-year-old worker, left several others injured, and sparked a fire that nearly destroyed the factory.
The explosion
At about 13:30 on Monday, 27 July 2026, a huge blast rocked a vinegar production and packaging factory in Examilia, near Corinth. The explosion was heard across the entire area, and within seconds a large fire engulfed the facility. Debris from the roof was thrown over a wide radius, and continuous secondary explosions followed.
Initial reports point to two possible causes. Some sources indicate that welding work inside the factory created an explosive mixture with flammable materials. Others suggest the fire started after a propane tank exploded. The Arson Crime Investigation Unit of Corinth has already begun examining the exact sequence.
- Explosion heard at vinegar factory in Examilia, roof debris thrown.
- Fire breaks out, quickly engulfing the plant.
- 35 firefighters and 11 vehicles arrive; volunteer teams join.
- Charred body of a 25-year-old worker located inside.
- Mayor Stavrelis confirms fatality and near-total destruction.
- Arson Crime Investigation Unit begins probe into cause.
Casualties
Five workers were inside the plant at the time of the blast. Four managed to escape with only minor respiratory problems. The body of a 25-year-old man, an electric welder according to one report, was later found charred inside. A person from a neighbouring building was also taken to Corinth hospital with injuries. One early account mentioned a 67-year-old victim, but the mayor and subsequent official statements confirmed the age as 25.
Unfortunately, due to the explosion the factory caught fire, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old, while four other workers who were inside at the time are in good health. The destruction of the factory is almost total.
Response and damage
The fire service mobilized 35 firefighters, 11 water tenders, a pedestrian unit, and volunteer teams from Corinth. They fought the blaze for hours while intermittent explosions continued. The factory was almost completely destroyed, with thick black smoke covering the neighbourhood.
Mayor Nikolaos Stavrelis told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency that the explosion was felt at a distance of at least 15 kilometres, calling it a "terrible explosion."
Investigation and safety warnings
The Arson Crime Investigation Unit of Corinth was activated to determine the cause. The deputy spokesperson of the Hellenic Fire Service, Giannis Artopios, stressed that fire safety measures are non-negotiable in industrial workplaces holding flammable substances.
Adherence to fire safety measures is the alpha and omega for personnel safety in this kind of factory environment. If they are not applied 100 percent, the consequences can be very serious. That happened today.
He underlined the need to build a strong safety culture in similar businesses. As of late Monday, the firefighting operation was still ongoing and the factory remained completely burned out.
