Turkish Cistern Causing Harmful Spill in Bulgaria without Certificate

Firefighters and the Civil Defense team worked for 18 hours to secure and remove the overturned Turkish cistern. Photo by BGNES

A probe of the Bulgarian Automobile Inspection, DAI, has established that the Turkish driver, who caused a harmful spill near the northern town of Debelets did not own a certificate allowing him to transport hazardous substances.

The probe further revealed the cistern did not have signs it contains such substances while the driver did not have a break in the last 24 hours before the incident.

The driver was arrested and was kept behind bars for 24 hours. Upon expiration of the 24 hours, his ID documents have been taken away on the order of the Prosecutor's Office and under the Foreign Citizens Act, so that he cannot leave the country before the end of the investigation.

Yumer Var, a 45-year-old Turkish citizen, was 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.

Tests showed that he had not used alcohol. The results of the blood probe are expected shortly.

The incident happened when a Turkish cistern truck transporting amounts of a dangerous chemical rolled over early Monday, causing the evacuation of 2 200 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.

Currently all those evacuated have returned home and there is no longer a danger for their health.

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