Zillar Barta Desk,Sofia : A horrific road accident in southeastern Bulgaria has left the country in shock after more than 50 vehicles were involved in a series of massive pile-ups on a major highway, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens of others. Dramatic drone footage from the accident site has revealed the devastating scale of the destruction, with cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks crushed together across the motorway.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday morning on the Trakia Motorway near Yambol, a major transport route connecting Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, with the Black Sea coastal city of Burgas. Dense fog and extremely poor visibility are believed to have played a significant role in the crashes.
According to initial reports, approximately 50 vehicles were involved in the accident. However, Bulgarian state media subsequently reported that two major pile-ups involved a total of 86 cars and lorries.
The accident caused widespread disruption, forcing authorities to close the motorway in both directions as emergency services rushed to rescue victims trapped inside mangled vehicles.
According to Bulgarian authorities, the first emergency call was received at approximately 7:10 am local time. At the time, a thick blanket of fog had covered the highway, reducing visibility to dangerously low levels. Some eyewitnesses reported that drivers could see only around 30 metres ahead.
The initial collision reportedly occurred on the carriageway heading towards Burgas when a truck and a passenger bus collided. The crash quickly developed into a chain reaction, as vehicles travelling behind them were unable to stop in time.
Cars, vans, buses and heavy goods vehicles crashed into one another, creating multiple collision points on both sides of the motorway. Several vehicles were pushed off the road, while others were overturned or left severely damaged.
The devastating scenes captured by drone cameras showed long stretches of the highway covered with wreckage. Several cars appeared trapped between large trucks, while emergency vehicles struggled to reach the victims.
Police officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel and other emergency workers were immediately deployed to the accident site. Rescue teams faced considerable difficulties reaching passengers trapped inside crushed vehicles.
Firefighters used specialised cutting equipment to remove damaged metal and rescue survivors. Medical teams provided emergency treatment before transporting injured passengers to nearby hospitals.
According to initial statements by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, at least 11 people had died and 48 others were injured. Subsequent reports indicated that the death toll had risen to 12, with approximately 50 injured people taken to hospitals.
The injured were transported to medical facilities in Yambol, Sliven and other nearby areas. Some victims reportedly suffered serious injuries and required urgent medical attention.
The Bulgarian government also deployed aircraft equipped with medical teams and stretchers to help evacuate severely injured passengers.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the incident as a major tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Following the accident, he cancelled several scheduled official engagements and announced plans to visit the crash site.
The government also declared Wednesday a national day of mourning following the deadly motorway disaster.
Authorities appealed to citizens eligible to donate blood to visit nearby blood donation centres and support hospitals treating the injured.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was visiting Bulgaria at the time of the accident, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
She announced that she would shorten her visit following news of the devastating collisions and paid tribute to the emergency workers involved in rescue operations.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised the efforts of medical personnel and rescue teams.
The incident has drawn international attention to road safety concerns in Bulgaria, where traffic accidents remain a serious challenge.
Bulgarian authorities have launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances behind the multiple collisions. Although dense fog and slippery road conditions are considered major contributing factors, investigators will examine the sequence of collisions and whether road conditions, driving behaviour or other factors contributed to the disaster.
Officials have also emphasised that rescue operations must be completed before a detailed investigation can proceed.
The Trakia Motorway is one of Bulgaria's important transport corridors, carrying significant traffic between Sofia and the Black Sea region. The closure of both carriageways caused major disruption to traffic, with motorists being advised to follow alternative routes and pay close attention to emergency warnings.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of driving in extremely poor weather conditions. Authorities are expected to examine whether additional safety measures and traffic warnings could help prevent similar disasters in the future.
As investigators continue their work, the country mourns the victims of one of its most devastating recent motorway accidents. The drone footage has provided a chilling picture of the destruction, while the families of the victims and those injured face an extremely difficult time.
