site.btaFire in ERM West Utility Duct Causes Power Outage in Downtown Sofia, Supply Now Restored

A fire in a Electricity Distribution Networks West (ERM West) utility duct caused the shutdown of 15 medium-voltage feeders supplying parts of downtown Sofia at around 9 p.m. on Monday, the company said on its website. By 11 p.m., power supply had been restored, the company added.

Teams from the Energy Ministry, Electricity Distribution Networks West, and the Interior Ministry undertook joint actions to contain the situation following the power outage in parts of the central districts of the capital that occurred this evening, the Ministry said on its website.

Smoke was detected coming from an accessible utility duct, along with the simultaneous shutdown of 15 electric feeders. All available teams were mobilized. A safe working environment has been secured for the experts on site, who are working to quickly restore electricity supply through an alternative scheme, the Ministry reported.

The Ministry also said that, due to suspicions of deliberate interference and vandalism, an investigation into the incident has been launched.