Eight killed and dozens injured after a cargo train derails and explodes in Bulgaria

Eight people have been killed after a cargo train carrying propane-butane derailed and exploded in Bulgaria.

At least 29 people are reported to have been injured in the incident, many with severe burns.

The incident damaged around 20 buildings in the northeastern village of Hitrino, police said.

It is believed seven of the train's tanks derailed at the station of the village, hit an electricity line and exploded in flames.

"Two blasts have caused a serious fire and ruined at least 20 buildings. There are many people injured ... many with burns," Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Georgi Kostov said.

Around 150 firemen tackled the fire and searched for survivors.

Nikolai Nikolov, head of fire safety and civil defence at the police, told reporters: "We do not expect a second blast, but the people from the village are being evacuated."

Police said an investigation into the incident has been launched.