A major fire broke out at an auto parts manufacturing facility in the Greek city of Aspropyrgos, Greek media report.

According to the latest data, the number of injured has risen to 11 people. All of them were hospitalized. Three of the injured suffered severe burns and are in critical condition — they have been placed on mechanical ventilation.

A truck carrying a propane cylinder was on the factory grounds, which significantly complicated efforts to extinguish the fire. As a result of the blaze, the factory was completely destroyed. Thick black smoke blanketed the surrounding area, creating a health hazard.

Authorities described the fire as extremely difficult to battle due to the high heat load caused by the intense burning.

Seventy-five firefighters, 20 main firefighting vehicles, four specialized machines, including two crane trucks, a special crane truck for work at oil refining facilities, and a vehicle for refilling breathing apparatus cylinders, have been deployed to contain the blaze. A firefighting helicopter is monitoring the situation from the air.