Family of Victim Files Appeal to Keep Factory Explosion Suspect in Detention

Representatives of Vasiliki Skampardoni, a victim of the deadly Violenta factory explosion in Trikala, will file an appeal with the Larissa Court of Appeals on September 17, seeking to reverse a ruling that released the primary suspect. The family, represented by Vaso Pantazi and Dimosthenis Pantazopoulos, argues that the defendant should remain in pre-trial detention because investigators have found he was aware of a propane leak that caused the blast.

In addition, they request that prosecutors elevate the charge from negligent homicide to homicide with possible intent. The explosion, caused by a gas leak that built up over months, destroyed the factory and killed five female workers on the night shift. Skampardoni left behind two young children, ages six and four, who are central to the family's legal push.