Drone entering Bulgaria from Romania explodes near trans-Balkan gas pipeline

10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Drone entering Bulgaria from Romania explodes near trans-Balkan gas pipeline

A drone that entered Bulgaria from neighboring Romania exploded near the border on Saturday morning, close to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev said.

The incident occurred near the Kardam border crossing, in northeastern Bulgaria, close to the Black Sea. Authorities said there were no casualties.

Explosion reported near critical energy infrastructure

According to Radev, the drone exploded approximately 1,000 meters from a compressor station belonging to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline.

The pipeline is an important regional energy route connecting Turkey and Ukraine, making the location of the incident particularly sensitive.

The prime minister said the explosion occurred in the immediate vicinity of the border crossing with Romania.

No injuries or deaths were reported following the incident.

Authorities assess the circumstances

The reported flight path indicates that the drone entered Bulgarian territory from Romania before reaching the area near Kardam.

Authorities are expected to establish the origin of the aircraft, its purpose and the circumstances that led to the explosion.

The incident comes as European countries continue to strengthen surveillance around borders and critical infrastructure amid heightened security concerns involving drones.

No reported damage to the gas pipeline

Although the drone exploded close to the pipeline's infrastructure, the Bulgarian authorities reported no casualties.

The available information did not indicate that the gas pipeline itself had been damaged.

The proximity of the incident to a compressor station nevertheless raises concerns over the vulnerability of strategic energy facilities to unauthorized drone activity.