They try to put out a 13-hour fire in a fireworks warehouse with helicopters

The authorities have deployed Cougar and Mi-17 helicopters of the Air Force to fight the flames, pouring water over the affected areas. The magnitude of the explosion has been such that experts warn that Rescue operations can only begin 24 hours after the last detonation.

The deceased has been identified as Associate Professor Petar Shishkov, a pyrotechnics expert with almost three decades of experience. His 20-year-old daughter is in critical condition with burns on 85% of his body.

Acting Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov has reported that there were two other people in the warehouse at the time of the incident: a man in his 60s and the owner’s 22-year-old son. Fortunately, a nearby warehouse containing approximately 2 tons of TNT was not affected by the explosions.

As a precautionary measure, the authorities They have evacuated about 150 people from the village of Gara Elin Pelin. The investigation into the causes of the accident is ongoing, under the supervision of the District Attorney’s Office. Sofia.

Hypothesis on the origin of the fire “Possible human carelessness”

One of the main hypotheses that are shuffled is a technological error during the preparation of a fireworks show. Witnesses who left their jobs shortly before the accident, as well as those rescued during the explosion, support this theory.

Dimitar Kangaldzhiev, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgariahas suggested that the human carelessness could be a key factor in the incident. The investigation will focus on this line, although all possibilities will be explored to determine the exact cause of this tragedy.

This event has highlighted the importance of Safety in the handling of pyrotechnic materials and has generated a debate about the need to review current regulations in the fireworks industry in Bulgaria.