One confirmed dead in explosions in fireworks warehouses in Bulgaria
A 49-year-old man has died in hospital after being severely burnt amid explosions in fireworks warehouses in the village of Elin Pelin near Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia, the Interior Ministry confirmed on July 26.
The man’s 20-year-old daughter was being treated in hospital in Sofia for severe burns.
Media reports identified the deceased as Associate Professor Petar Shishkov of the University of Mining and Geology.
Powerful explosions rocked the area soon after 6.30pm on July 25 and continued through the night and into the morning.
The cause has not yet been established.
Caretaker Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov told reporters on July 26 that two other people were missing.
Drones were being used to monitor the situation. A Bulgarian Air Force Cougar helicopter took off on the morning of July 26 to assist in firefighting efforts, the Defence Ministry said.
Since the night of July 25, traffic in the area has been restricted and train services are suspended.
The Prosecutor’s Office said that the Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office was supervising an investigation and pre-trial proceedings had been initiated.
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