Drone explodes near gas infrastructure in Bulgaria after crossing border

A drone exploded near critical gas infrastructure in Bulgaria after entering the country’s airspace from neighbouring Romania, authorities said.

According to Prime Minister Rumen Radev, the unmanned aerial vehicle crossed into Bulgarian territory earlier in the day before detonating close to the border.

The blast occurred roughly 100 metres from the Bulgarian-Romanian border, about 200 metres from a Romanian compressor station and approximately one kilometre from a Bulgarian compressor station linked to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline network.

No casualties or damage to infrastructure were reported. The area has been secured by authorities, and investigations are underway to determine the drone’s origin and type.

Following the incident, Radev convened an emergency session of the national Security Council. Bulgarian authorities said additional personnel and technical resources would be deployed along the border to enhance drone detection and countermeasure capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova