Five people killed, 29 injured as cargo train explodes in Bulgaria

An aerial view showing the wreckage of a train transporting gas after it derailed and exploded in the northeastern Bulgarian village of Hitrino, yesterday. (PHOTO: AFP

At least five people were killed and 29 injured when a cargo train derailed and exploded in the northeastern Bulgarian village of Hitrino, demolishing about 50 houses and public buildings, officials said yesterday.

At least three of the victims remain in critical condition in hospitals and the number is likely to rise, health authorities said.

Bulgaria’s government said it is preparing to announce Monday a day of national mourning following the deadly incident.

“There will be more casualties for sure,” Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said after arriving at the village, some 380 km northeast of the capital Sofia and home to around 1,000 people, according to a police official.

Twelve of the private train’s tanks, carrying propylene, very volatile and highly flammable gas, derailed at the rail station of the village. One of the tanks struck a high-power line and exploded in flames early yesterday, police said.

The powerful blast flattened dozens of houses and public buildings, leaving people under the ruins. Officials ordered a full evacuation of the village so that the propylene can be safely removed.

“Two blasts have caused a serious fire and ruined at least 20 buildings. There are many people injured ... many with burns,” Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kostov said.