A fire at the Motor Oil facilities in Agioi Theodoroi, western Attica, on Tuesday afternoon had filled the area with black smoke and forced the evacuation of residents in the area.
Vehicles and train traffic in the area has been suspended.
Πυρκαγιά στη Motor Oil στους Αγίους Θεοδώρους – Μήνυμα από το 112 για να απομακρυνθούν οι κάτοικοι#motoroil #φωτια #πυρκαγιά pic.twitter.com/Kr0RXGSWDw
— empisteutiko.gr (@empisteutiko) September 17, 2024
According to initial media information, the fire broke out short before 6 p.m., while an explosion in the pipes system in the surrounding area of the facilities, where the company’s refineries are located, preceded the blaze.
The area has been suffocated by thick black smoke, which is visible several kilometers away.
Emergency line <112>; urged the residents to evacuate the area. The message stated: “Fire is in progress inside the Motor Oil facilities, move away from the area”
⚠️ Activation of 112 – Emergency Number
🔥 Fire in progress at the #MotorOil facilities
🆘 Evacuate the area
‼️ Follow the instructions of the Authorities@pyrosvestiki@hellenicpolice https://t.co/i4hJmrsGd1
— 112 Greece (@112Greece) September 17, 2024
47 firefighters with 17 vehicles and three helicopters have been mobilized. The refinery’s firefighting units are also operating on the scene.
Τα πυροσβεστικά οχήματα μοιάζουν ανίσχυρα απέναντι σε τέτοια φωτιά. #φωτια #MotorOil pic.twitter.com/4j3CUxjEsC
— idiotypos 🍉 (@idiotypos) September 17, 2024
Ambulances have been dispatched in the area. One worker sustained 1st degree burn injuries and was taken to the hospital of Corinth. Three more workers were slightly injured in the hands and were also transferred to hospitals, the company Motor Oil said in a press release later in the evening.
The fire was largely under control, the company added stating the causes of the fire were still unknown.
Authorities have ordered the closure to traffic of a section of the old National Road that passes in front of the Motor Oil refinery, while train traffic was also suspended in the section between Kineta – Corinth, tovima.gr reported.
Mega TV reported that there was order to Proastiakos trains to resume operation short after 7:30 p.m.
Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries S.A. is a petroleum industry company based in Greece focusing on oil refining and trading. It is a leading force in its sector in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
UPDATE:
The fire that broke out yesterday at the Motor Oil facilities in Agioi Theodoroi was set under control on Wednesday.
Firefighters remain in the area to completely extinguish the fire.
Meanwhile, traffic was restored on the old Athens-Corinth highway, which had been interrupted due to the fire.
