(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JAN 26 - A fire at a biscuit and food products factory near the city of Trikala in central Greece has killed three people and left two others missing, according to Ekathimerini. A fire broke out around 4 a.m. The Violanta factory is located on the Trikala-Karditsa national road. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined. According to state broadcaster ERT, the factory was operating on 24-hour shifts at the time of the incident. Local media reported that a loud explosion occurred shortly before 4 a.m. The building housed 13 workers. Eight workers escaped the facility and were transported to Trikala General Hospital. Firefighting units and numerous ambulances were on hand. (ANSA).