'Human Error' to Blame for Exploded Bulgarian Ammo Site - Official

Bulgarian Deputy Defense Minister Valentin Radev. Photo by dnevnik.bg

A human error has been the most likely reason for the series of blasts that occurred in a Bulgarian ammunition depot on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a Defense Ministry official.

On Tuesday, a series of blasts occurred at a private-owned ammo site near the Petolachkata road junction close to Sliven, injuring at least 9 people, two of them critically. Three of the ammunition depot's employees are still missing.

Deputy Defense Minister Valentin Radev has told the Bulgarian National Radio that some safety regulations have been violated in the facility, which is used for dismantling munitions by Sofia-based company Bereta Trading.

Two cell phones have been discovered at the scene of the accident, one of them badly burned, Radev revealed. He clarified that cell phones are forbidden in such facilities.

The Deputy Defense Minister said a spark from a match may have caused the accident.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!