» Environment
2500 Bulgarians to Be Evacuated over Hazardous Chemical Spill
Environment | July 11, 2011, Monday



A Turkish cistern truck transporting amounts of a dangerous chemical rolled over early on Monday, causing the ongoing evacuation of some 2500 Bulgarians in the northern town of Debelets near Veliko Tarnovo.

The cistern truck, traveling between the town of Kalifarevo and the city of Veliko Tarnovo, crashed at 01:48 am local time near Debelets, the Dnevnik daily has reported. A total of 51 children residing a local medical care orphanage were the first to be evacuated .

High levels of harmful emissions have been registered in the region of the accident early on Monday.

The cistern truck was transporting Styrene, which is considered a hazardous chemical, especially in case of eye contact, but also in case of skin contact, of ingestion and of inhalation. It is a suspected toxin to the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and respiratory system, among others

That is not a good start for the summer when people are depending on holiday makers to earn a living.
I do hope no one has been infected.
Also the wild life may suffer.

» Environment
Turkish Driver Charged for Causing Hazardous Spill in Bulgaria
Environment | July 11, 2011, Monday



The work of the firefighters and the Civil Defense team to secure and remove the overturned Turkish cistern continues Monday afternoon. Photo by BGNES
The driver of the Turkish cistern, which crashed overnight near the the northern Bulgarian town of Debelets, has been arrested and will be kept behind bars for 24 hours.

He is identified as Yumer Var, a 45-year-old Turkish citizen.

Var is charged with recklessly polluting the environment and making it harmful for people, animals and plants. Under the Penal Code he faces up to 5 years behind bars.

The cause of the incident is being investigated.

The incident happened when a Turkish cistern truck transporting amounts of a dangerous chemical rolled over early Monday, causing the evacuation of residents of Debelets, which is located near the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

Over 4 tons of Styrene, which is used to make plastic, were spilled and a toxic cloud was formed.

The Regional Governor declared an emergency situation in the town. The work of the firefighters and the Civil Defense team to secure and remove the cistern continues Monday afternoon.

The Debelets railroad station, which as important hub, is functioning normally, but employees have been given protection clothing and masks.

Hope everyone living in the area are ok and hopefully it will be cleaned up befor it does too much damage.

How are things going in VT?
Do hope everyone is OK
What about all the fruit and vegetables that are growing, will they have to be destroyed or, will they be OK with a good wash?
Such a disaster for everyone.
Our thoughts are with you.