By KUNA,
Sofia : The Bulgarian capital was rattled by big and consecutive explosions early Thursday morning at an army’s weapons warehouse some 35 kilomteters from Sofia.
Army Chief of Staff General Zlakto Stoikov headed to a location close to the scene immediately after the blasts started and said information available is still inaccurate, as it is still impossible to approach the warehouse due to continued explosions.
The official added communication with the facility was completely disrupted.
In remarks to Bulgarian radio, the official said the area three kilometers around the scene is sealed off by army and police units and the highway near the site is also closed.
Houses near the site are being evacuated “as a precautionary measure,” he further added.
Civil Defense Chief General Petar Miladenov meanwhile urged people to stay away from the area, stay indoors, and shut their windows to avoid foul air coming into their homes.
In remarks to local radio, he stressed the type of weapons and ammunition kept at the warehouse does not warrant fear of radiation or damage to the environment. There is still no information as to damage, or human casualties, he added.
Bulgarian Premier Sergei Stanishev called an emergency cabinet meeting where the Army Chief of Staff is to report on the incident and ordered ministers of defense, interior, and emergency affairs to follow up on the issue from a location close by and to help with all assistance provided to the civilian population in the area.