The production manager of the Violanta biscuit factory, where five workers were killed in a major gas explosion in January, has been granted conditional release from pretrial detention after giving testimony to the investigating magistrate handling the case.
The factory manager has meanwhile been given until May 11 to testify.
Company executives face criminal charges including direct complicity in an intentional explosion, multiple counts of manslaughter and causing bodily harm.
According to state broadcaster ERT, investigators are focusing on the circumstances surrounding the disaster and whether factory management had prior knowledge of problems at the plant.
A lawyer representing the production manager rejected claims that employees had noticed or warned of a gas leak or strong smell before the blast. He argued that his client worked daily in the same area, as did members of his family, making it unlikely he would have ignored such a danger.
A post-blast study by the National Technical University of Athens found extensive corrosion in propane pipes running from external storage tanks to the factory.
The company owner remains in custody. The competent judicial council is expected to rule again soon on whether he will remain in detention or be released pending trial.