The removal of cisterns which derailed on Saturday in the village of Hitrino, killing seven, is to start on Thursday, authorities say.

Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kostov has told the Bulgarian National Radio that the operation will first include those tanks whose transported fuel has already been drained out.

After the incident, Kostov announced gas was leaking out of one of the tanks and there was still risk for residents if they were allowed into the village.

Twelve cisterns derailed, with one of them exploding, on Saturday. Twenty-nine people were left injured and dozens of houses were destroyed by the explosion.

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