Inferno horror in Bulgaria as freight train derails
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There are many people injured, many with burns
Interior Ministry Chief Secretary
At least five people have been killed and 25 injured after a cargo train derailed and burst into flames in northeast Bulgaria.
Around 20 buildings have been flattened in the village of Hitrino.
Death toll
At least three of the victims remain in a critical condition.
The authorities say the number of fatalities could rise.
Prime Minister Boiko Borisov has appealed for blood donations at the local hospital treating the injured.
What happened?
Seven of the train’s tanks, carrying propane-butane and propylene, derailed at the station in the village.
The cars hit the overhead electricity line and burst into flames, according to Mincho Lambrev from the National Railway Infrastructure Company.
Battling the blaze
Around 150 firefighters are trying to extinguish the fire.
They are also searching for survivors in houses near the site of the crash.
Police say they are investigating the incident.
Where is Hitrino?
Around 280 kilometres north east of the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
It is home to around 800 people.
In tweets
Bulgarian Transport Minister on Hitrino train explosion: Sparks were seen coming… https://t.co/huLSgloHrMpic.twitter.com/5JIKUWZIB7
— The Sofia Globe (@TheSofiaGlobe) December 10, 2016
PHOTO: Train derails, explodes in #Hitrino, Bulgaria https://t.co/0DxDn01TsQpic.twitter.com/DvwJZN5hn4
— RT (@RT_com) 10 décembre 2016
Five killed in cargo train explosion – Firefighters at the scene of devastation in the village of Hitrino https://t.co/yOCV9a1Sm1
— Pedro Muñoz Lorite (@PMunozLorite) 10 décembre 2016
What they are saying
“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.
“There will be more casualties for sure,” – outgoing Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.