All workers are safe and well and the board of Olympia Group remains in close contact and close cooperation with authorities and agencies after a fire that broke out on Tuesday at the premises of its factory Sunlight Systems in Neo Olvio, Xanthi, it said on Wednesday.

Chairman of Olympia Group Yiannis Karagiannis stated, "We are very proud for our factory which is the largest in Europe and exports its products worldwide. Despite Tuesday's unfortunate incident, I would like to reassure staff that we will retain all job positions and will restore the damages, and even make the factory better than before. We will also continue to work together with the local authorities for whatever is needed".

Fire-fighting forces throughout the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace region mobilised on Tuesday to put out a fire that broke out at a factory making batteries in Olvio, Xanthi. The fire-fighting effort is especially difficult due to the highly flammable materials stored in the central building, which cause minor explosions from time to time, as well as strong winds blowing in the area.

The sky has turned black due to the smoke rising from the fire, visible for several kilometres all around and filling the atmosphere with choking fumes. For this reason, authorities have advised the area's residents to evacuate their homes as a precaution. The evacuation order is for Olvio and nearby villages, including Agios Athanasios, Thalassia, Tympano and Toxotes.