Sofia, November 10, 2026: At least 12 people have been killed and dozens injured after two massive multi-vehicle pile-ups struck Bulgaria’s Trakia Motorway on Tuesday morning. Dense fog and slippery road conditions are suspected to have contributed to the crashes, which involved approximately 86 vehicles.
The collisions occurred near Yambol in southeastern Bulgaria on the A1 motorway, which connects the capital Sofia with the Black Sea port city of Burgas.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene as authorities closed the motorway in both directions.
Bulgaria Highway Crash: Death Toll Rises to 12
Initial reports indicated that 11 people had died in the collisions. However, Bulgaria’s Health Minister Katya Ivkova later confirmed that at least 12 people had lost their lives.
According to the minister, ten victims died at the accident scene, while two others died while being transported to hospital.
Bulgarian authorities reported approximately 50 injured people. The Associated Press reported that 46 people were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
The authorities are continuing to assess the consequences of the crashes.
Around 86 Vehicles Involved in Two Major Pile-Ups
The accidents occurred on opposite sides of the Trakia Motorway near the village of Zimnitsa in the Yambol region.
According to Bulgarian officials, the collisions involved approximately 86 vehicles, including passenger cars, buses and heavy trucks.
Local reporting indicated that 63 vehicles were involved in the pile-up towards Burgas, while 23 vehicles were affected on the opposite carriageway towards Sofia.
Images from the scene showed severely damaged vehicles, overturned trucks and debris scattered across the motorway.
Some vehicles also caught fire following the collisions.
Dense Fog Suspected as Major Cause
Authorities identified rapidly developing dense fog as a likely contributing factor.
The emergency services received the first alert at approximately 7:10 AM local time.
Officials said visibility had deteriorated significantly, making it difficult for drivers to identify vehicles and obstacles ahead.
Wet road conditions and speeds unsuitable for the weather may also have contributed to the severity of the accidents.
However, the precise sequence of events and responsibility for the collisions remain under investigation.
Bus and Truck Collision May Have Triggered Chain Reaction
According to Interior Ministry official Lyubomir Nikolov, the initial collision involved a bus and a truck travelling towards Burgas.
The crash reportedly triggered a chain reaction involving other vehicles.
A separate series of collisions occurred on the opposite side of the motorway.
Police are investigating how the accidents developed and whether additional factors contributed to the disaster.
Officials have not yet released a final investigation report.
Emergency Teams Rescue Injured Passengers
Police officers, firefighters, ambulance teams and military personnel were deployed to the accident site.
Rescue workers faced difficult conditions while attempting to reach people trapped inside damaged vehicles.
Some crash barriers had to be removed to provide access to the wreckage.
The injured were transported to hospitals in Yambol, Sliven and Burgas.
Bulgarian authorities also deployed government and military aircraft to support the emergency response.
Trakia Motorway Closed in Both Directions
The crashes forced authorities to shut the A1 motorway in both directions.
Emergency crews continued clearing damaged vehicles and assisting injured passengers.
Bulgaria’s BG-ALERT emergency warning system was activated in affected regions to inform drivers about hazardous conditions and alternative routes.
Officials advised motorists to exercise caution and follow instructions from traffic authorities.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev Responds to Tragedy
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the incident as a national tragedy.
He cancelled scheduled government engagements and arranged additional resources for the emergency response.
Radev also announced plans to visit the accident site.
Authorities established emergency coordination arrangements involving police, medical services and other government agencies.
European Commission President Expresses Condolences
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was visiting Bulgaria, expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
She shortened her visit following the tragedy.
The accident disrupted planned official engagements and drew attention across Europe.
The European Commission president also acknowledged the efforts of emergency workers responding to the disaster.
Investigation Launched Into Bulgaria Motorway Accident
Bulgarian police have opened an investigation into the two pile-ups.
Investigators will examine road conditions, vehicle movements, visibility and other possible contributing factors.
Authorities have identified dense fog as a major concern, but the final cause has not yet been conclusively determined.
The investigation will also examine the sequence of collisions on the motorway’s opposing carriageways.
Latest Bulgaria Highway Crash Update
As of November 10, 2026, at least 12 people have been confirmed dead following the two major motorway pile-ups near Yambol.
Approximately 50 people were reported injured, while dozens of vehicles were severely damaged.
The motorway was closed in both directions as emergency teams continued their work.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of driving during sudden reductions in visibility, particularly on major highways carrying heavy commercial traffic.
Further updates are expected as Bulgarian authorities complete rescue operations and their investigation.
Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Bulgarian National Radio, Bulgarian News Agency and BGNES — November 10, 2026
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