Massive highway pile-up in Bulgaria results in multiple casualties

On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, a catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-up occurred on the Trakia motorway near the Zimnitsa junction in southeastern Bulgaria. Thick fog at the scene caused a chain reaction involving 86 cars, trucks, and buses, impacting both directions of the highway. While initial reports estimated 10 deaths, officials including Prime Minister Rumen Radev later confirmed that at least 12 people lost their lives, with over 50 others sustaining injuries. Emergency response teams, including police and fire services, were deployed to perform difficult rescue operations for passengers trapped in crushed vehicles.

The incident took place while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was visiting the country, leading her to cut her trip short to express condolences. Prime Minister Radev declared a national day of mourning for the victims. Injured survivors have been transported to hospitals in Burgas, Sliven, and Yambol. Lyubomir Nikolov, deputy general secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that all fatalities occurred in the lane heading toward Burgas. Authorities are currently conducting a detailed investigation into the exact circumstances of the tragedy as rescue and debris clearing operations continue.