Investigation into the explosion at a factory near Belitsa: main theories of the incident

12.08.2026 | Oversight and accountability

Specialized teams are investigating the explosions at a military plant near the village of Belitsa. Theories involving arson, defective components, and safety violations are being examined.

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Investigation into the explosion near Belitsa continues

Teams from the Special Counter-Terrorism Unit (SOBT) are continuing to survey the area around the military plant near the village of Belitsa. The work is focused on locating and neutralizing unexploded ordnance that poses a security risk.

"The inspection of the scene will be carried out tomorrow with the participation of experts and specialists," stated Nikolay Petkov, District Prosecutor of Gabrovo.

Main versions of the incident

Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated for arson that led to explosions and endangered the lives of the workers. Investigators are working on several hypotheses:

Safety and access to the site

At the moment, employees of the enterprise have not yet had access to their personal belongings left behind during the evacuation. The Director of the Gabrovo Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, Senior Commissioner Iliyan Ivanov, assured that an organization is being established for the safe retrieval of the items once the area is fully secured.

Meanwhile, the fire in the Tryavna Balkan has been brought under control, and there is no danger to residential areas, despite the presence of smoldering hot spots.