SOFIA, Bulgaria — A 27-year-old man has been charged with arson following a deadly fire that engulfed a Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) train carriage at Sofia Central Station in the early hours of December 31.
The fire resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and left two others seriously injured.
The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of the suspect, identified as S.N., who now faces detention by court order.
The court cited the severity of the charges, the accused’s transient lifestyle, and his prior convictions as factors in the decision.
While the order for detention is subject to appeal, authorities expressed concerns about the potential for flight and the likelihood of further criminal acts if S.N. were released.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out at approximately 2:30 a.m. in a train carriage at Sofia’s Central Railway Station.
According to initial investigations, the incident stemmed from an argument between two individuals, escalating to an act of arson. Nine people were present in the affected carriages at the time.
Four individuals lost their lives in the blaze, and two others suffered severe injuries. The identities of the deceased remain unknown, with authorities continuing efforts to confirm their names.
Prosecutors revealed that S.N. allegedly set the fire intentionally but claimed he did not intend to cause fatalities.
Despite the accused’s denial of malicious intent, the court determined that there was sufficient evidence to reasonably conclude his responsibility for the crime.
Suspect’s Background and Court Proceedings
S.N., described as living a transient lifestyle without a permanent address in Bulgaria, has a history of prior convictions, further contributing to the court’s decision to detain him.
Following the incident, S.N. was initially held under a prosecutor’s 72-hour detention order. On January 1, the Sofia City Court extended his detention, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk posed by his release.
“The lack of a stable address and criminal history increase concerns about his potential to abscond or commit additional offenses,” a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office stated.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
The arson caused extensive damage to the train carriage and has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols at Sofia’s Central Railway Station.
Investigators are working to piece together the events leading to the fire, including gathering evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses.
The tragic incident has raised public concerns about security measures at the station and the welfare of individuals who may use train carriages for shelter during the winter months.
Authorities continue to work toward identifying the victims, whose deaths have shocked the local community. Meanwhile, the accused remains in detention as legal proceedings progress.
This devastating event marks the end of 2024 with a tragic reminder of the risks posed by acts of violence and the need for vigilance in public spaces.