A passenger bus was destroyed in an overnight fire at a private company’s base in Burgas, police confirmed on Wednesday. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
According to the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Burgas, the fire was reported shortly after midnight, around 00:04 a.m. on October 23.
Emergency services were alerted to a blaze that had erupted on the premises of a private firm managed by a 65-year-old woman. The company is located on “Yakim Yakimov” Street, within the city’s industrial zone.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they discovered an Iveco passenger van, registered in Burgas, engulfed in flames. The vehicle had reportedly been parked at the site since approximately 7:30 p.m. the previous evening.
A firefighting team promptly extinguished the blaze before it could spread to nearby structures or other vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the fire, and there were no indications of any individuals being inside the van at the time.
Police said the cause of the fire remains unclear. Investigators are currently examining the remains of the vehicle to determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, human error, or deliberate arson. Technical experts have been called in to assist with the forensic examination.
The total cost of the damages is still being assessed, but initial estimates suggest that the passenger van was completely destroyed. No additional property belonging to the company was reported damaged in the incident.
Authorities have launched pre-trial proceedings to formally investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. The case will be handled under the supervision of the Burgas District Prosecutor’s Office.
Local residents reported hearing loud popping sounds at the time of the fire but said the blaze was quickly brought under control. Fire crews remained at the scene for over an hour to ensure that the flames did not reignite.
This latest incident comes amid a series of vehicle-related fires reported across Bulgaria in recent months, many of which have been linked to technical malfunctions or deliberate acts. Police are urging business owners to ensure that all vehicles parked on private premises undergo regular maintenance and are properly secured.
The investigation into the Burgas fire continues, with authorities expected to release further details once forensic and technical analyses are complete.