Sofia, Bulgaria – A fire broke out late Wednesday night in Sofia’s Lozenets district, causing extensive damage to a residential building and multiple vehicles.
Authorities believe the blaze originated from an explosion in the battery of a hybrid car parked on Greben Planina Street, triggering a chain reaction that quickly spread smoke and flames to the facade of a nearby building.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as thick smoke and flames engulfed the area. Residents of the affected building were forced to evacuate, with some reporting hearing a loud explosion moments before the fire broke out.
Fire Causes Widespread Damage
The intensity of the blaze shattered windows and caused several air conditioning units to collapse from the building’s exterior.
According to initial assessments, one vehicle was completely destroyed, while several others parked nearby suffered extensive damage due to the heat and flames. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control after battling the fire for several hours.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments when the explosion occurred. “There was a loud bang, and within seconds, flames were reaching up the building. It was terrifying,” said a resident of the affected area.
Another witness noted that the thick smoke made it difficult to see, adding to the chaos as people rushed to safety.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Initial reports suggest that the fire was triggered by a malfunction or overheating of the hybrid vehicle’s battery.
Experts will analyze the remains of the vehicle to confirm whether a battery failure was indeed responsible for the blaze.
Although no injuries have been reported, the incident has raised concerns over the safety of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, particularly in residential areas.
Residents Express Concerns
The incident has left many residents shaken, with some questioning the potential risks associated with parking electric or hybrid vehicles near residential buildings.
“This could have been much worse,” said one resident. “We need stricter regulations on how these vehicles are maintained and parked.”
The Sofia Municipality has assured residents that a full assessment of the damage will be conducted, and any necessary safety measures will be reviewed.
Meanwhile, authorities urge vehicle owners, particularly those with hybrid or electric cars, to be vigilant about battery maintenance and report any unusual signs of malfunction, such as overheating or strange odors.
Recovery Efforts Begin
Cleanup operations began Thursday morning, with firefighters and municipal workers clearing debris from the affected area. The damaged building will undergo structural inspections to ensure it remains safe for residents.
As Sofia’s residents process the aftermath of the fire, officials continue to investigate the growing risks associated with hybrid and electric vehicles, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.