Blast in Elin Pelin fireworks depot

site.btaUPDATED Sofia Region Health Inspectorate Assures There Is No Health Risk in Area of Fireworks Blast

Sofia Region Health Inspectorate Assures There Is No Health Risk in Area of Fireworks Blast
Sofia Region Health Inspectorate Assures There Is No Health Risk in Area of Fireworks Blast
A military Cougar extinguishing the fire (BTA Photo)

There are no health hazards for the people living near the site of a blast at a fireworks warehouse in Elin Pelin, near Sofia, said the Sofia Region Health Inspectorate Friday. The explosions started late on Thursday and continued through the night. One man died and two are still missing from the blast site. 

An investigation is underway. 

Measurements showed a negligible increase of particulate matter in the small hours of Friday. The readings for CO2, CO, NO, NO2 and O3 are below the maximum permissible levels.

The results of the measurements carried out by Sofia Municipality do not show any deviation from the normal air indicators. The Regional Health Inspectorate of Sofia region issued recommendations to the residents of the municipality of Elin Pelin in connection with the declared partial state of emergency as a result of the explosions in the area.

The Ministry of Health and Sofia’s RHI are in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, and the air quality data will continue to be monitored. If necessary, information will be provided on additional measures.

Currently there is no fire burning, however the fireworks warehouses near Elin Pelin are smouldering, Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior Dimitar Kangaldzhiev told journalists in the village of Gara Elin Pelin.

The report of the fire in the warehouse for fireworks and other pyrotechnics between the town of Elin Pelin and the village of Gara Elin Pelin was filed Thursday around 6:30 pm. Two people were seriously injured - a father and a daughter. On Friday morning the Minister of the Interior announced that the man had died. Pirogov doctors are fighting for the life of the 20-year-old girl.  There is an increased police presence in the area of the fire. Fire engines and military equipment are on the scene.

The Municipality of Elin Pelin said that the situation is under control. The partial evacuation of the municipality's residents is cancelled, the municipal administration said.

All citizens can go back to their homes, but should stay alert. The partial state of emergency remains in force in the town and the villages of Gara Elin Pelin and Novi Han.

The Ministry of Environment and Water said in a press release that it receives hourly updates on air quality in the area of the village of Elin Pelin. At present, the measured air quality indicators do not provide a prerequisite for endangering the life and health of humans and animals in the region.

/MR/

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By 20:44 on 26.07.2024 Today`s news

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