Massive pileup on Bulgarian motorway leaves at least 11 dead

On Tuesday morning, a massive multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Trakia motorway (A1) near the Zimnitsa junction, close to the city of Yambol in Southeast Bulgaria. According to authorities, thick fog contributed to the accident, which involved between 50 and 70 vehicles and left at least 11 people dead and approximately 46 to 50 others injured. The crash resulted in the closure of the motorway in both directions and caused vehicles to pile up, with several catching fire.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and military personnel, were deployed to manage the scene. Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the event as a tragedy and authorized the use of military transport aircraft to evacuate the injured to hospitals in Sofia, while other victims were taken to medical facilities in Sliven, Yambol, and Burgas. The accident led to the cancellation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s scheduled visit.

Investigations into the exact sequence of events are ongoing as authorities work to clear the wreckage. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as recovery operations continue at the crash site.