A Bulgaria motorway crash caused by thick fog killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more on Tuesday near Yambol in the east of the country, a government minister said.
The pile-up happened on the route linking the capital, Sofia, with the Black Sea port of Burgas, and the road was closed in both directions.
Bulgaria Motorway Crash: What We Know
| Detail | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Deaths | At least 12 (10 at the scene, 2 in hospital) |
| Treated at hospitals | 46 people |
| Vehicles involved | About 50 cars and trucks |
| Cause | Thick fog |
| Location | Near Yambol, Sofia-Burgas route |
Yambol regional governor Georgi Chalakov said an estimated 50 vehicles were involved, according to the BTA state news agency. Health Minister Katya Ivkova gave the casualty figures. The injured were taken to hospitals in nearby cities, and the government sent two aircraft fitted with stretchers and medical teams.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who was meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to Bulgaria, described the accident as a “tragedy” and cancelled his official events scheduled for later on Tuesday.
Why Bulgaria’s Motorways Are Risky
Motorways in southeastern Bulgaria are ranked among the most dangerous in the European Union. In 2025 the country recorded 71 road deaths per million inhabitants, the highest rate in the EU, according to European Commission figures.
Staying Safe in Fog
- Slow down and keep a much larger gap from the vehicle ahead.
- Use low-beam or fog lights, not high beams.
- If visibility drops sharply, leave the road at the next safe exit instead of stopping in a live lane.
What Happens Next
Authorities are expected to open an inquiry into the pile-up, and officials may review speed limits and warning systems on foggy stretches. Updated casualty figures may follow as hospitals report.
Read More: Spain Train Crash: At Least 68 Killed as High-Speed Trains Collide
Follow the TaazaTaren channel for the latest updates.
