Jakarta, ThedailyID — At least 12 people have died and 50 others have been injured in two consecutive pileups involving more than 70 vehicles on Bulgaria’s Trakia Highway.
The accidents occurred in southeastern Bulgaria on Tuesday, November 10, involving dozens of cars and trucks.
Bulgarian Health Minister Katya Ivkova confirmed that 11 people died at the scene, while another victim died in hospital. Meanwhile, 50 injured people received hospital treatment.
Sliven Governor Mihail Kasherov said more than 70 vehicles were involved in the incidents.
Authorities suspect thick fog and poor visibility caused the first collision. A second crash occurred on the road toward Sofia, possibly because of the fog and drivers becoming distracted by the initial accident.
Yambol Governor Georgi Chalakov said emergency services received the first accident report at 7:10 a.m. local time. Ambulances transported victims to hospitals across Yambol, Sliven, and Burgas.
Rescue teams had to dismantle sections of the road barriers to reach the victims. Furthermore, thick fog prevented helicopters from assisting with the evacuation.
A witness who helped rescue a man from a burning vehicle also blamed the heavy fog for the pileup.
“I got out of my car, ran forward, and pulled the man out,” the witness told Reuters.
Highway administration director Galin Kostov said vehicle speeds had not been appropriate for the road conditions. Authorities subsequently closed the highway until cleanup operations could finish.
The Trakia Highway runs across Bulgaria from west to east, connecting the capital Sofia with the Black Sea coast.
Bulgaria Declares National Mourning
Prime Minister Rumen Radev declared Wednesday, November 11, a national day of mourning following the tragedy.
Radev was hosting the President of the European Commission when he received news of the accidents. He cut short a press conference and traveled to the crash site.
Authorities continue to assess the aftermath of the deadly collisions.
