Sofia, Bulgaria – A tragic incident occurred in Elin Pelin, a town near Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, where a firework factory explosion left one person dead and another severely injured. The catastrophic event, which occurred on Thursday evening, unleashed a series of dramatic explosions that illuminated the night sky with fiery mushroom clouds.
According to local officials and medical staff, the explosions commenced around 6:30 pm, casting a spectacle of red and white lights as fireworks burst into the air. Residents described the harrowing experience, with one recalling how the intense blasts rattled windows and plunged the area into darkness.
Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov confirmed the death of a 49-year-old man due to injuries sustained in the fire, while his 20-year-old daughter remained in critical condition in the hospital. Additionally, two individuals – the 22-year-old son of the warehouse owner and a 60-year-old employee – were still unaccounted for, raising fears of further casualties.
The aftermath of the explosion was marked by continued smaller bangs persisting throughout the night and into the following morning. Military personnel and helicopters were deployed to the area, which was cordoned off as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary reports indicated that there were approximately two tons of TNT equivalent stored in one of the warehouses, according to the Bulgarian News Agency. The situation remained tense as authorities worked to assess the full extent of the damage and secure the area from potential hazards.
As the town grappled with the aftermath of the tragic incident, questions arose about the safety measures and regulations surrounding the storage and handling of explosive materials. Investigations into the cause of the explosion were underway, with authorities urging caution and vigilance in the wake of the disaster.