11 killed, 48 injured in massive highway pile-ups in Bulgaria
At least 11 people were killed and 48 others injured in two massive pile-ups involving 86 vehicles on Bulgaria's Trakia Motorway in the southeastern Yambol region on Tuesday, authorities said.
The crashes occurred on opposite carriageways near the Zimnitsa junction, at kilometres 289 and 294, according to Health Minister Katya Ivkova, cited by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).
Ten people died at the scene, while another victim succumbed to injuries in hospital. The Health Ministry warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations and the removal of wreckage continued.
86 vehicles involved in two separate crashes
The Interior Ministry said 63 vehicles were involved in the pile-up on the carriageway towards Burgas, while another 23 were involved in the opposite direction towards Sofia.
Dense fog significantly reduced visibility in the area, while wet road conditions and driving speeds unsuitable for the weather also contributed to the dangerous situation, Regional Road Administration Director Galin Kostov said.
Acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Lyubomir Nikolov said the first collision occurred after a truck blocked the path of a passenger bus.
A second pile-up followed on the opposite carriageway, apparently after drivers became distracted by the initial crash.
Difficult rescue operations prompt emergency measures
Emergency services were alerted at 7.10 am local time, Yambol Regional Governor Georgi Chalakov said.
Rescue teams faced difficult conditions, having to remove sections of crash barriers to reach some of the injured. Dense fog also prevented the use of helicopters for medical evacuations.
Chalakov declared a partial state of emergency in three municipalities in the Yambol region to coordinate rescue and emergency response operations.
Investigation launched as highway remains closed
The National Investigation Service will lead the investigation, with two separate proceedings opened to examine the circumstances of each collision, Yambol District Prosecutor Doychin Doychev said.
The Trakia Motorway was closed in both directions, with authorities warning that the disruption could continue for an extended period as emergency crews cleared the wreckage and investigators examined the crash sites.
Source:AA
