At least 12 people were killed and 51 others injured in a massive chain-reaction crash involving dozens of vehicles on Bulgaria’s Trakia Motorway in southeastern Bulgaria, authorities said. The collisions happened in dense fog near the Zimnitsa junction, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) from Sofia.
The first crash was reported around 7 a.m. in the lanes heading toward Burgas. A second collision involving several vehicles occurred shortly afterward on the opposite side of the highway, toward Sofia. Both passenger cars and trucks were involved.
Bulgarian media reported that more than 70 vehicles were caught up in the crashes, with some reports putting the number as high as 86. Initial information from police indicated that visibility in the area had deteriorated sharply because of thick fog.
The Health Ministry said 11 people died at the scene, while another victim later died at a hospital in Yambol, bringing the death toll to 12.
A total of 51 injured people were admitted to hospitals in 3 cities. Sliven received 33 patients, Yambol treated 11 and another 7 were taken to hospitals in Burgas. Emergency crews from the surrounding areas were sent to the scene, along with a medical helicopter.
The Bulgarian government’s early warning system, BG-ALERT, was activated in Yambol province to notify residents about the crashes and advise drivers to use alternative routes. The highway was closed as emergency teams worked to assist victims and clear the wreckage.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that Wednesday, Nov. 11, would be a day of national mourning in memory of those killed. President Iliana Yotova also canceled her planned participation in the Paris Peace Forum and returned to Bulgaria following the tragedy.
Authorities have not yet released a final account of the circumstances behind the crashes. The full extent of the damage and the final number of vehicles involved are expected to become clearer as the cleanup operation continues.
Drone footage reveals the horrifying scale of the tragedy on Bulgaria’s Trakia Motorway. Over 50 vehicles, including cars and trucks, were involved in the massive pile-up, leaving at least 12 people dead and dozens injured. One of Bulgaria’s deadliest road disasters. 😭 https://t.co/NfyVJyGotH
— една българка (@transbulgaria) November 10, 2026