Cargo train explosion kills 4 in Bulgaria

SOFIA

Four people were killed and 23 injured when a cargo train exploded in the northeastern Bulgarian village of Hitrino early Saturday, local media reported.

According to the National Radio Bulgaria (BNR) reports, the train -- carrying propane-butane and propylene -- first derailed and hit electricity line and then exploded at 05.30 a.m. local time (0330GMT).

Speaking after the incident, Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kostov said the explosion also caused a fire and damaged over 20 buildings nearby.

According to local fire department chief Nikolai Nikolov, a second blast was not expected but residents of the village were still being evacuated.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, Nikolov added.

Reporting by Ihvan Radoykov; Writing by Burcu Arik;