No Injured Bulgarians after Hazardous Chemical Spill

A Turkish cistern truck transporting amounts of a dangerous chemical rolled over early Monday, causing the evacuation of residents of the northern Bulgarian town of Debelets near Veliko Tarnovo. Photo by BGNES

There are no injured people in Debelets and there is no longer a threat since the concentration of the dangerous chemical in the air is down to minimal levels.

The information was reported by the Mayor of Debelets, Dimitar Dimitrov, who spoke for the Bulgarian National Radio, BNR, Monday afternoon.

The incident happened when a Turkish cistern truck transporting amounts of a dangerous chemical rolled over early Monday, causing the ongoing evacuation of residents of the northern town of Debelets near Veliko Tarnovo.

The cistern truck, traveling between the town of Kalifarevo and the city of Veliko Tarnovo, crashed at 01:48 am local time near Debelets.

Meanwhile, the Director of the National Fire Company, Chief Commissar, Nikolay Nikolov, announced the emptying of the cistern has begun, listing several stages that must be followed.

The risks stem from high temperatures that can cause a spark and a fire, according to Nikolov, who said for this reason the location is being dozed with foam. The team is also using special anti-spark tools and ropes and special protection clothing.

Those evacuated will be able to return home after the cistern is moved to a safe location.

Only 300 out of the 1 300 residents of the town were evacuated. The Health Ministry announced that all children from the local orphanage have been transported by ambulances to the Veliko Tarnovo social home.

Two people have visited the emergency room at the Veliko Tarnovo hospital. They have been examined and sent home. The Health Ministry advises everyone how feels irritation on the skin, the eyes and the nose to seek medical help. In addition to irritations, the chemical can cause depression.

The cistern truck was transporting Styrene, which is considered a hazardous chemical, especially in case of eye contact, but also in case of skin contact, of ingestion and of inhalation. It is a suspected toxin to the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and respiratory system, among others.

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