site.btaUPDATED Situation near Elin Pelin Gradually Returning to Normal

The situation with the explosions in fireworks warehouses near Elin Pelin (Western Bulgaria) is gradually returning to normal, said General Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection Director Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov on Saturday, quoted by Interior Ministry's press centre. There are currently isolated explosions preventing teams from taking action on the ground. However, arrangements have been made and there is full preparedness to respond.

Representatives of the Prosecution Service and the National Investigation Service, who are in charge of the investigation, are now expected to present their requirements to the teams regarding the preservation of the scene. "We have made arrangements for securing the warehouses and pouring water on them, but we have to wait for the instructions of the investigators," Dzhartov said.

To date, the air quality indicators in the village of Gara Elin Pelin do not exceed the regulated standards and do not threaten the life and health of humans and animals in the region, said the press center of the Environment Ministry.

Earlier on Saturday, he updated BNT about the situation near Elin Pelin after the explosions in fireworks depots. "There were more explosions during the night, so we can't say that the situation is completely under control. I hope that during the day these blasts will pass so that the colleagues who are carrying out the investigation can start the appropriate procedural actions," he said. 

The Pirogov hospital said earlier that the 20-year-old woman who was injured in the blasts between the town of Elin Pelin and the village of Gara Elin Pelin on Thursday had died.

The fire situation in the country is relatively calm, Dzhartov said. "The only concern is the fire, which is on the border with Greece, there is an encroachment of about 10 m on our territory, extinguished by colleagues, but the terrain is very difficult, we will probably use a helicopter to prevent it from spreading on. That area is concerning," he added.