Turkish Driver Charged for Causing Hazardous Spill in Bulgaria

The work of the firefighters and the Civil Defense team to secure and remove the overturned Turkish cistern continues Monday afternoon. Photo by BGNES

The driver of the Turkish cistern, which crashed overnight near the northern Bulgarian town of Debelets, has been arrested and will be kept behind bars for 24 hours.

He is identified as Yumer Var, a 45-year-old Turkish citizen.

Var is charged with recklessly polluting the environment and making it harmful for people, animals and plants. Under the Penal Code he faces up to 5 years behind bars.

The cause of the incident is being investigated.

The incident happened when a Turkish cistern truck transporting amounts of a dangerous chemical rolled over early Monday, causing the evacuation of residents of Debelets, which is located near the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

Over 4 tons of Styrene, which is used to make plastic, were spilled and a toxic cloud was formed.

The Regional Governor declared an emergency situation in the town. The work of the firefighters and the Civil Defense team to secure and remove the cistern continues Monday afternoon.

The Debelets railroad station, which as important hub, is functioning normally, but employees have been given protection clothing and masks.

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