On Rose Monday, there was a violent explosion at the Atherinolakkos power plant near Sitia on Crete, which caused considerable devastation.
A explosion yesterday at the power station in Atherinolakos has raised significant concern among local workers and emergency responders.
Many believe that the explosion could have resulted in casualties had it not occurred on a public holiday.
The absence of personnel at the time is thought to have played a crucial role in preventing injuries or fatalities during this tragic event.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion, with early reports suggesting that it was accidental rather than the result of sabotage.
The blast led to a major fire, which was successfully extinguished with the assistance of firefighters from nearby regions and volunteer rescue teams.
Although substantial damage occurred, including a collapsed roof, thankfully, there were no injuries reported.
The Announcement from the Civil Protection Office of Sitia Municipality
On the morning of March 3, 2025, at 07:35, a powerful explosion occurred at the electric power plant located in the area of Atherinolakos, Gouduros, in Sitia.
This incident took place in one of the two main diesel engines, leading to a fire in the building housing engine number one.
As soon as the explosion took place, an alarm was raised, triggering the internal emergency response plan of the station.
The fire department and all relevant services, including the Police, Port Authority, and Emergency Medical Services (EKAV), were promptly notified.
Civil protection authorities at both regional and municipal levels were also alerted to ensure a swift response.
Impact of the Explosion
The force of the explosion was substantial, resulting in the collapse of the roof and a large portion of the surrounding walls.
Heavy metal components were hurled over significant distances.
Remarkably, there were no casualties or injuries reported, which was a significant relief for emergency responders and the local community.
The Municipality of Sitia’s Civil Protection team was activated and dispatched forces to assist in extinguishing the fire, alongside volunteer rescue teams including ED.E.A.K and the Red Cross.
Emergency Response Leadership
Several key figures were present at the site to oversee the emergency response efforts. They included:
- Lieutenant General Konstantinos Psarros – Coordinator of Operations for the Aegean and Crete
- Chief Fire Officer Michail Seliniotakis – Commander of the Fire Services of Crete
- Konstantinos Gerodimos – Commander of the Fire Services for Lasithi County
- Commanders of the fire services from Ierapetra and Sitia
- The Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection of Sitia Municipality
- The Port Authority Chief of Ierapetra
Situation Assessment and Investigation
Following the suppression of the fire, an emergency meeting was convened at the station’s administration building. All involved parties participated, including the station’s director, Nikos Manakanatas, who provided an initial assessment regarding the causes of the explosion.
In light of the incident, the Lasithi District Attorney ordered a detailed investigation to determine the specific reasons behind the explosion.
It is important to highlight that there was no environmental pollution as a result of the explosion. The power plant adhered to all necessary standards designed to prevent environmental contamination, thereby ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
Emergency measures and investigations are crucial in ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of infrastructure, especially in facilities that handle potentially hazardous materials.
The prompt actions taken by local authorities and emergency services demonstrated their preparedness and ability to manage such unexpected incidents effectively.
The swift collaboration among various agencies and the disciplined approach to addressing the emergency were key factors in containing the situation without further incident. Through thorough assessments, the aim is to prevent recurrence and enhance safety protocols moving forward.
