Elevated benzene levels after train incident near Pyasachevo

Slightly elevated levels of benzene in the air were recorded after the train incident near the village of Pyasachevo, Haskovo region. This was reported to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) by Tonka Atanasova, acting director of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) in Haskovo.

The incident, which caused alarm among the local population, occurred early in the morning when eight tankers from a freight train derailed and ignited near Pyasachevo. RIEW-Haskovo received a signal about the incident around 6:00 AM.

The recorded levels of benzene are due to the burning of diesel fuel during the incident

explained Atanasova. She emphasized that despite the slightly elevated values,

they do not pose a direct danger to the population

A team from the Regional Laboratory of the Executive Environment Agency in Haskovo immediately responded to the situation, conducting air quality measurements with a modern mobile gas analyzer GASMET DX 4040. Measurements were taken at two key locations - in close proximity to the railway line and near the closest residential buildings in Pyasachevo.

Atanasova specified that the final results and validation of data from the gas analyzer confirmed the initial concerns about slightly elevated benzene levels. However, she assured that the situation is being closely monitored and there is no immediate threat to the health of residents.

Regarding potential soil contamination in the area of the incident, Atanasova stated that the eco-inspection team is awaiting the development of the investigation.

The perimeter of the affected area needs to be determined and the contamination assessed. Only then will the corresponding regional laboratory be tasked with measuring soil quality

she added.

Earlier in the day, Atanasova informed that if contamination is detected, instructions will be issued to the owners of affected lands not to enter their territory for cultivation. This precautionary measure aims to prevent potential health risks and ensure the safety of local agricultural producers.

The incident near Pyasachevo raised questions about the safety of rail transport and the readiness of institutions to respond to such accidents. Additional analyses are expected to be conducted in the coming days, and necessary measures will be taken to restore the affected area and prevent similar incidents in the future.