Todor Vanov, a private with the Bulgarian infantry unit that is part of the EUFOR task force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, was injured on Monday, the country's defence ministry said in a statement.

Vanov was burned when a bottle containing an inflammable mix caught fired as he and mechanic Emil Vassilev attempted to start their armoured reconnaissance vehicle.

In his attempt to prevent a fire, Vassilev threw the bottle through the hatch, splashing some of the burning mix on Vanov.

The serviceman received second-degree burns on his face and left arm, but his life is out of danger, the ministry said.

First aid was administered at the Butmir base used by the Bulgarian force and then Vanov was taken to the University Hospital in Sarajevo. He will be moved to the Military Medical Academy in Sofia in the near future.

The causes of the incident are being investigated.

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