About 82,000 liters leaked to the Danube during carrying on a barge, about 20 km from the Serbian capital Belgrade, causing the risk of river pollution, the Institute of Water Samples said at the French Agency.
The leak took place on April 21 at a refinery in the port of Panchevo, during oil transportation to a barge of “Naftahem”.
According to the first findings of the local authorities, the reason for the leak is probably human negligence.
“It was found that 82 cubic meters of Eurodiesel were poured and the fuel is currently in a protective barrier surrounding the barge,” said the Punchevo area.
The prosecutor’s office has begun an investigation into the extent of pollution and those responsible.
So far, “technicians have collected samples from seven locations. Their analysis is ongoing, “Dr. Liliana Lazic, director of the Panchevos Public Health Institute, told the French Bureau.
Water pollution is endemic to Serbia where, according to official estimates, less than 15% of waste water is subject to proper treatment. The rest, along with sewage sewage, are directly rejected in their rivers and streams.
