The second Albanian worker seriously injured in an explosion at a major oil refinery in Greece has died, bringing the death toll from the industrial accident to two. Dorian Hysa, 50, succumbed to his injuries days after the blast that also claimed the life of 43-year-old Robert Cakaj.
 |
According to preliminary reports, the explosion occurred during work on heat exchangers in industrial unit U-607. A release of pressurized gas reportedly caused a metal cover to be violently displaced, striking the workers and leaving them with severe injuries.
Cakaj died despite medical treatment, while Hysa was transferred to Thriasio Hospital, where he remained intubated in intensive care. His death has now been confirmed, turning the incident into a double-fatality industrial accident.
Four people arrested as investigation expands
Greek authorities have expanded their investigation into the circumstances of the explosion, focusing on compliance with workplace safety requirements during the maintenance operations.
Three additional people have been arrested in connection with the case, bringing the total number of arrests to four.
The latest arrests involve a 36-year-old foreman, a 50-year-old manager of the Health and Safety Department, and a 34-year-old project operator. Their arrests followed the earlier detention of the external contractor responsible for the maintenance team working inside the refinery when the accident occurred.
Investigators are examining the roles of those responsible for supervising the project and ensuring that the necessary safety measures were in place. The investigation is expected to establish how the pressurized gas was released, why the metal cover was displaced and whether the required procedures were followed.
The arrests do not establish criminal guilt, and the responsibility of each individual remains to be determined through the legal process.
A tragedy for the Albanian community in Greece
The deaths of Hysa and Cakaj have highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of accidents during industrial maintenance work, particularly in facilities where pressurized systems and hazardous operating conditions require strict safety controls.
Motor Oil has previously confirmed the death of one of the injured workers, expressed condolences to the family and stated that it was cooperating with the authorities investigating the incident.
With both Albanian workers now dead and four people arrested, attention is turning to the findings of the investigation and whether any failures in workplace safety or project supervision contributed to the fatal explosion.
The final findings will be crucial in establishing the precise cause of the accident and determining whether criminal responsibility lies with any of those involved in the maintenance operation.