Motor Oil: The fire situation is improving – “The flames have subsided,” battle continues for full extinguishment

A fire has broken out at the old refinery facilities of Motor Oil. According to the latest reports from the authorities, the fire is not threatening any fuel-filled tanks. As of 8 p.m., the situation had significantly improved, and firefighters expressed optimism.

The “tower” where the fire started has already collapsed, and all valves connecting the tanks and facilities have been shut off to isolate the fire’s point of origin.

At around 7:30 p.m., a refinery worker was taken to the Corinth hospital with first-degree burns on his hands. Two more workers were later transferred to the same hospital with minor burns.

According to reports, the Minister of Citizen Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, is keeping Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis updated on the developments at the refinery.

Currently, 47 firefighters with 17 vehicles, in collaboration with Motor Oil’s fire suppression teams, are battling the blaze. The flames have died down, but the major problem now is the thick black smoke, which is preventing three aerial units from operating.

Fire at Facilities in Agioi Theodoroi

According to initial information, the fire is burning heavy fuel oil in pipes, and the first assessments suggest that it may have been caused by an explosion during maintenance work (shutdown procedure), where technicians clean the inside of tanks.

Cooling systems and firefighting equipment at the refinery are active, with significant mobilization of fire forces. However, extinguishing the fire is considered very difficult, so the primary goal is to prevent it from spreading beyond the initial site.

Two ambulances have been at the scene since the fire started, and both the Corinth hospital and Thriasio hospital are on high alert.

Meanwhile, following orders from the Fire Department and OSE (Hellenic Railways Organization), train 1324 remains at the Kineta station, and train 1327 is stationed at the Corinth station due to a fire in the Elefsina area. Delays and possible cancellations of train routes are expected.