At least 11 dead after motorway pile-ups in Bulgaria fog
At least 11 people were killed and 46 injured in two major pile-ups involving over 70 vehicles on Bulgaria's Trakia motorway. Dense fog, reduced visibility, and unsuitable speeds were identified as the likely causes of the crashes near Zimnitsa.
Why it matters
This tragic event underscores the severe dangers of adverse weather conditions on major roadways and highlights the critical importance of road safety measures, driver awareness, and emergency response in preventing and managing such incidents.
Figure caption, Burnt out and crushed vehicles were strew across the motorway in the aftermath of the crash
At least 11 people have been killed after dozens of cars and lorries were involved in two pile-ups on the Trakia motorway in south-eastern Bulgaria.
Health Minister Katya Ivkova said 10 people died at the scene, near the town of Zimnitsa, and one more in hospital. A further 46 people were injured, BTA state news agency reported.
Sliven region governor Mihail Kasherov told journalists at the scene that more than 70 vehicles were involved.
Officials have said dense fog reduced visibility and was the likely cause of the first crash, which occurred on the eastbound carriageway.
The second crash, on the Sofia-bound carriageway, was likely also caused by the fog, with drivers also distracted by the first crash, BTA reported an official as saying.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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