President Plevneliev: 'Blatant Non-Observance of Rules' Caused Deaths

Innocent lives were lost due to a blatant non-compliance with prescriptions and rules established by state institutions on how to work with explosive materials, Bulgaria's President said Thursday.

Rosen Plevneliev made his first public comments after Wednesday's huge blast at the Midzhur explosives plant which officials say took the lives of fifteen people who were inside.

"Unfortunately this is not a precedent, but yet another case leading to the death of workers dealing with ammunition," his press office quoted him as saying.

Plevneliev extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the victims and has voiced hopes for a quick recovery of those wounded.

The President also announced he had decided to cancel the 2014 John Atanasoff Awards ceremony which was scheduled for Thursday.