Fireworks inferno in Bulgaria: Negligence blamed for deadly blasts
For nearly 24 hours, residents of Elin Pelin in Bulgaria heard continuous sounds of explosions coming from burning fireworks warehouses. On Friday afternoon, Foreign Minister Kalin Stojanov informed at a press conference that the cause of the explosion was likely human negligence. One death has been confirmed.
Explosions, which lasted continuously for over 24 hours, led to a massive fire. In turn, it consumed a neighbouring food warehouse, which burned down entirely. Despite the passage of time, the fire department has not yet decided to enter the warehouse area. According to current safety regulations, this is permissible only 24 hours after the last recorded explosion.
"Human negligence." Explosions in Bulgaria
At Friday's press conference, Foreign Minister Kalin Stojanov stated that the cause of the explosions was most likely "human negligence." As it turned out, a renowned scientist and specialist in explosives entered the warehouse area after hours.
He was accompanied by the daughter and son of the property owner. The scientist intended to collect fireworks for an upcoming wedding; he was a known organiser of pyrotechnic shows. According to information provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a probable error occurred, leading to the explosion.
The mentioned scientist died in the fire. His daughter is currently in hospital with severe burns covering 85% of her body. The son of the warehouse owner is considered missing.
Massive damage
The explosions also affected the air quality in a nearby town, located 22 kilometres from Sofia. According to doctors, the pollution is particularly dangerous for the elderly and sick. On Thursday evening, the authorities decided to evacuate the residents. Currently, people can return to their homes, and the previously halted power supply has been restored.
The material damages in the town are severe – many buildings have cracked walls, broken windows, and fallen plaster. Residents are questioning who allowed such large explosives warehouses to be established on the outskirts of the town.
