Fire strikes ammunition depot in Bulgaria tied to arms supplier
For a second time within a year a blaze erupted at an ammunition warehouse in Bulgaria. The facility is owned by businessman Emilian Gebrev, who has been documented as a supplier of arms to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. The incident drew immediate attention as details emerged from Bulgarian radio reporting. The warehouse in Karnobat contained military supplies used in the production of defense products, according to Gebrev himself.
Before the fire, a string of explosions was reported at the scene. The warehouse was consumed by flames and burned completely. There were no reported injuries among workers or nearby residents.
National security authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident. The investigation is considering multiple scenarios, including sabotage and the possibility that the fire originated outside the building. The discussion around deliberate misfortune has circulated alongside the theory of an accidental ignition that spread rapidly through the storage area.
The previous fire at a related facility occurred in July of the previous year. Gebrev indicated the potential for deliberate arson as a possible explanation for that earlier episode as well. The recurrence of fires has heightened concerns about the security of arms storage and the safeguarding of defense related materials.
Publication notes indicate Gebrev has confirmed supplying weapons to Ukraine during the peak of the conflict. Historical context is added by recalling a separate explosion in Vrbetica, Czech Republic, in 2014 which resulted in two fatalities. This reference is offered to provide related incident context within the arms industry and regional security concerns. [Citation: Bulgarian National Radio information summarized for context]