During recent testing of a projectile, an explosion occurred at a weapons factory in Bulgaria. A Czech television channel reported the incident, citing unnamed sources. The broadcast indicated that there were no fatalities, though there was significant material damage. The blast disrupted equipment used in ammunition production and testing, while also affecting the surrounding infrastructure, including a protective wall and the roof of a neighboring facility. The Bulgarian Armed Forces military police are leading the investigation into the blast and its causes.
Earlier in the year, at the end of April 2024, Czech authorities completed an inquiry into the Vrbetice ammunition depots incident from 2014. Officials named two Russian nationals, Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, as responsible for that event. Investigators alleged that shells stored at those depots were intended for shipment to Ukraine. In Ukraine, Petrov and Boshirov have been sought by authorities in relation to related security concerns.
The Bulgarian case is being examined to determine whether the incident arose from testing procedures, equipment failure, or other factors within the Terem Defense Plant. Officials noted that the explosion damaged a filling device used to load explosives into ammunition and caused collateral damage to nearby structures. The investigation seeks to establish a clear timeline of events, assess safety protocols, and determine if any operational lapses contributed to the incident. The public is urged to withhold speculation until authorities release verified findings. The coverage reflects ongoing reporting from regional media outlets and official statements, with updates anticipated as the inquiry progresses.