Prosecutors in Alba Iulia report no evidence of sabotage in the August 2 fire at the Cugir Mechanical Plant (UM Cugir), one of the town's two arms factories, with preliminary findings indicating it began in a section where a large quantity of pyrotechnic powder was improperly stored.
According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday by the Alba Iulia Court Prosecutor's Office, "initial findings indicate that the fire started in a section of the hall where a large quantity of various types of pyrotechnic powder was improperly stored, before spreading to the area containing ammunition."
Prosecutors note that "at this stage, as the investigation is still in its early phase, no definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the cause of ignition; however, there is no indication of sabotage."
The investigation concerns offenses of destruction caused by negligence and failure to implement mandatory workplace safety and health measures.
So far, several individuals have been questioned, and authorities have seized video footage, inventory records, access logs, technical documents, workplace safety instructions, and procedures. Forensic samples, materials, and equipment have also been collected for expert analysis.
According to prosecutors, the fire destroyed 51,120 rounds of 14.5 mm and 5.56 mm ammunition, out of a total of 727,760 stored in one of the ammunition storage halls.
Initially, it was reported that the warehouse contained around 400,000 rounds of 14.5 mm ammunition ready for delivery, of which company representatives initially estimated approximately 130,000 rounds had been destroyed.
Following the incident, police from Alba County and forensic specialists from the National Forensics Institute of the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police conducted on-site investigations, assisted by representatives of Insemex Petrosani.
No casualties were reported. The plant's employees have been on a two-week leave since August 1.
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