Massive Highway Crashes in Bulgaria Leave Eleven Dead and Dozens Injured
Dense fog and wet road conditions contributed to multi-vehicle pileups involving dozens of cars and trucks on a major Bulgarian motorway.
At least eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured in massive multi-vehicle pileups on a major highway in southeastern Bulgaria. The tragic series of accidents occurred on both directions of the motorway connecting the capital city of Sofia to the Black Sea port of Burgas, near the town of Yambol.
According to the country's interior ministry and local authorities, a total of 86 vehicles, predominantly heavy trucks, were involved in the crashes. Ten individuals died at the scene, while another victim passed away after being transported to the hospital. Between 46 and 51 people sustained injuries and were subsequently admitted to medical facilities across the Sliven, Yambol, and Burgas regions.
Officials identified dense fog and wet pavement as the primary factors behind the disaster. Galin Kostov, director of the regional road administration, pointed out that drivers were traveling at speeds ill-suited for the treacherous weather conditions. Prime Minister Rumen Radew described the event as a profound tragedy, noting that military transport aircraft and helicopters were deployed to evacuate the wounded.
The disaster unfolded while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was visiting Bulgaria to meet with Prime Minister Radew. In light of the catastrophe and the extensive rescue operations, von der Leyen cut short her official itinerary, canceled a planned afternoon government meeting in Sofia, and expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Radew canceled his scheduled appearance at a United Nations climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, and announced that a national day of mourning would be held. Law enforcement agencies closed the affected section of the motorway in both directions for an extended period to accommodate emergency responders and investigators, directing traffic through alternative routes.
Regional statistics highlight ongoing concerns regarding road safety in the country. According to European Union data from 2025, Bulgaria maintains the highest rate of traffic fatalities within the bloc, recording 71 deaths per million inhabitants.
Sources
- Mehrere Tote bei Massenunfällen auf bulgarischer Autobahn tagesschau.de
- Autobahn-Unfälle mit mehr als 70 Fahrzeugen: Elf Tote und Dutzende Verletzte in Bulgarien berliner-zeitung.de
- Elf Tote bei Auffahrunfällen in Bulgarien – 51 Verletzte schwaebische.de
- Allein nach Bulgarien: NRW führt Abschiebeflug mit nur einem Migranten durch - WELT welt.de
- Zahlreiche Tote bei Massenkarambolage in Bulgarien orf.at