Tragedy on Bulgarian Motorway: At Least 12 Dead in Massive Pile-up Amidst Thick Fog

A devastating pile-up involving an estimated 50 vehicles, including cars and trucks, occurred on a motorway in southeastern Bulgaria on November 10, 2026, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and dozens of injuries. The catastrophic event took place near Yambol on the crucial route connecting the capital, Sofia, with the Black Sea port of Burgas, leading to the complete closure of the road in both directions. According to Health Minister Katya Ivkova, 10 individuals lost their lives at the scene, with two more succumbing to their injuries while en route to medical facilities. A total of 46 people were transported to hospitals for treatment.

The accident happened amidst thick fog, significantly reducing visibility and contributing to the chain reaction of collisions. Governor of the Yambol region, Georgi Chalakov, confirmed the scale of the incident, with state news agency BTA reporting the involvement of approximately 50 vehicles. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the site to manage the aftermath and provide assistance.

The gravity of the situation prompted Prime Minister Rumen Radev to cancel official events, including meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was visiting Bulgaria at the time. Prime Minister Radev described the incident as a "tragedy." The injured were taken to hospitals in nearby cities, and the government deployed two aircraft equipped with stretchers and medical teams to aid in the evacuation and treatment process.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Bulgaria. Motorways in the southeastern part of the country are recognized as among the most dangerous in the European Union. European Commission figures from 2025 indicate that Bulgaria had the highest road fatality rate in the EU, with 71 deaths per million inhabitants.