7 DEAD AND 29 INJURED BY A CARGO TRAIN EXPLOSION IN NORTH-EAST BULGARIA

7 people were killed and 29 injured after a cargo train carrying tanks of polypropylene and propane-butane derailed and exploded in the village of Hitrino, North-East Bulgaria, on 10th of December.

The explosion swept though houses and buildings in the area. Search-and rescue dogs from the mountain rescue services took part in finding people under the collapsed buildings.

The incident took place shortly after 5.30 in the morning.

The residents of the village were evacuated so that the propylene can be safely removed, Chief Commissioner Nikolai Nikolov, the Head of the Fire fighting service explained.

The Mayor of Shumen, Lyubomir Hristov said that the first 9 tanks were already transferred into the fields, away from the village to prevent further leakage of gas.

An operation for draining the explosive substances from the tanks was initiated. It was temporarily stopped at the night and will continue tomorrow in the day light.

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borrisov, who arrived at the village said that the draining of tanks was a very complex and slow process and should be done very carefully.

Throughout the night, the tanks will be hosed down with water and chemicals in order to neutralize the risk of further explosion.

Borissov said that after so much death and destruction, a serious criminal investigation should be expected.

12th of December was announced as a day of national mourning following the deadly incident.