- Emergency services were called to the factory outside the country’s capital
- Nearby towns have been evacuated, but some residents refuse to leave
- Two people were seriously injured in the explosion
This is the dramatic moment a Bulgarian fireworks factory was destroyed in a huge fireball, forcing local police to evacuate the surrounding area.
Emergency services were called today to extinguish the explosion at the plant, near the town of Elin Pelin, about 24 kilometres (15 miles) east of the country’s capital, at around 6:30 p.m. local time.
Video footage from local media shows a huge plume of smoke rising through the air as the bright lights of fireworks illuminate the plume.
As the smoke rises, more fireworks can be seen being set off closer to the ground. Local media reported that smoke, estimated to be equal to two tons of TNT, was seen coming from the structure more than two hours after the initial explosion.
Two workers, a man and a woman, were seriously injured and were taken to the nearby Pirogov Emergency Hospital in Sofia. They suffered third-degree burns.
The woman is said to have suffered burns over 85% of her body surface.
Emergency services were called today to extinguish the explosion at the factory, near the town of Elin Pelin, which is about 24 kilometres (15 miles) east of the country’s capital
At least 10 water tankers have been deployed to supply sufficient water for the fire brigade, six of which are from the army.
Video footage captured by local media shows a huge plume of smoke rising through the air as the bright lights of fireworks illuminate it.
Two workers, a man and a woman, were reportedly seriously injured and have since been taken to the nearby Pirogov Emergency Hospital in Sofia, where they suffered third-degree burns
While local officials declared a partial state of emergency, the country’s interim Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev attempted to allay concerns
While local authorities declared a state of emergency, the country’s interim Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, who reportedly visited the scene of the accident, attempted to allay concerns by claiming the situation was under control.
Interior Minister Dimitar Kangaldzhiev stressed the need for a wide perimeter, saying a logistics hub of a major food chain located 7-800 meters (2,300-2,600 feet) away from the plant caught fire after the explosion
While police evacuated Elin Pelin and nearby Gara Elin Pelin, they were forced to remove a number of local residents who refused to leave their homes.
Emergency services are working with the country’s military to extinguish the fire.
At least 10 water tankers have been deployed to provide the fire brigade with sufficient water, six of which come from the army.
Three military SandCats were called in to assist emergency services
While police evacuated Elin Pelin and nearby Gara Elin Pelin, they were forced to remove a number of local residents who refused to leave their homes
Emergency services are working with the country’s military to extinguish the fire
The army also sent three armored “SandCat” jeeps, carrying Defense Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov and Military Police Director Brigadier General Ivaylo Sotirov.
The investigation into how the fire started has now begun. Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov is sending four investigators to begin their inspection once the explosions are over and the fire is extinguished.
It was revealed that the site had been inspected by government officials just three months ago, and no irregularities in safety measures were found.
The company told local media it has a high level of security and a robust CCTV system.
Nevertheless, Stoyanov indicated that investigators believe “someone set something on fire, but it is not clear yet.”