Shortcomings found in the management of ammunition depots

There is an underestimation of the risk not only at EMKO but also among all companies responsible for managing and guarding ammunition depots, Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev told reporters in connection with the explosions at the company’s ammunition storage site on August 10 and September 11, BTA reported.

“This work is obviously dangerous, and the current global situation—not only in Bulgaria—is creating sources of heightened risk. Security measures must take this into account, including the way these hazardous substances and items are stored”, Ivan Demerdzhiev said. Minister Demerdzhiev explained that several days before the latest incident, the Interior Ministry had inspected the warehouse in the village of Gorni Varpishta and found security deficiencies at the site.

Police are investigating all possible versions of what caused the explosion, and it is too early to identify a leading version, the minister said. Regarding a possible meeting of the Consultative Council for National Security, Demerdzhiev said the decision rested with the President.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov