Bulgarian authorities are examining an overnight fire that caused explosions at a private ammunition storage facility near Gorni Varpishta in central Bulgaria. The interior minister has not ruled out external interference. The operator, EMCO, has described the incident as sabotage and pointed to a pattern of similar events at defence sites since 2011.
What happened at the EMCO storage site?
The fire broke out at a facility that had not been in active use for months. Officials confirmed the site received a regulatory inspection 20 days earlier that found full compliance. No injuries occurred despite the series of explosions that followed the blaze. The location lies about 170 km east of Sofia.
Why does EMCO allege sabotage?
EMCO stated that human error has been completely ruled out. The company linked the incident to a series of acts against Bulgarian defence firms dating back to 2011. It called on Bulgaria, as an EU and NATO member, to join efforts to counter such attacks. A similar fire and blasts affected another EMCO warehouse in the same area last month.
Who runs EMCO and what prior incidents are known?
The firm is operated by Bulgarian arms dealer Emilian Gebrev. Prosecutors have alleged that Gebrev, his son and another employee were targeted in a 2015 poisoning attempt. Three Russian nationals were later charged in absentia for attempted murder in that case. Bulgarian private companies have continued supplying weapons to Ukraine even after Sofia halted state-owned transfers.
How does the incident fit a wider pattern?
Authorities in several European countries have reported suspicious fires or attacks at defence-related sites in recent years. Germany attributed a drone incident at Leipzig airport in August to Russia, a claim Moscow rejected. Bulgaria remains a notable supplier of arms used by Ukraine in its defence against the full-scale invasion that began in 2022.
Frequently asked questions
Was anyone hurt in the fire?
No injuries were reported after the blaze and subsequent explosions at the EMCO site.
Has the cause been confirmed?
Investigators are still examining the incident and have not ruled out outside interference, while the company maintains sabotage is the only explanation.
Where is Gorni Varpishta located?
The village lies in central Bulgaria, roughly 170 km east of the capital Sofia.
Does EMCO supply Ukraine?
Yes, weapons produced or stored by the company have been used by Ukrainian forces.
Key takeaways
- Bulgarian officials are investigating a fire and explosions at an EMCO ammunition site near Gorni Varpishta.
- The company has labelled the event sabotage and referenced earlier incidents at defence facilities.
- Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said outside interference has not been excluded.
- EMCO is run by Emilian Gebrev, who was the target of a 2015 poisoning attempt.
- Bulgarian private firms continue arms transfers to Ukraine despite a halt in state supplies.
