By World Media Feed Editorial Team
SOFIA, November 10, 2026 — At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured after dense fog contributed to two major traffic crashes involving approximately 86 vehicles on a motorway in eastern Bulgaria on Tuesday, according to government officials.
The collisions occurred on the motorway connecting the capital, Sofia, with the Black Sea port city of Burgas. The crashes happened on opposite carriageways near the same location at approximately 7 a.m. local time.
Health Minister Katya Ivkova said 10 people died at the scene, while two others died during transportation to hospital. Another 46 people were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Many of the vehicles involved were heavy trucks, according to officials.
Dense fog creates dangerous conditions
Authorities said rapidly developing fog sharply reduced visibility along the motorway, contributing to the chain of collisions.
Initial police assessments also pointed to wet road surfaces and vehicle speeds that were unsuitable for the prevailing conditions.
The scale of the crashes forced authorities to close the motorway in both directions, disrupting a major transportation route linking Bulgaria’s capital with its Black Sea coast.
Emergency services and investigators were dispatched to the scene as authorities worked to assess the damage and assist those affected.
Government officials respond
The severity of the disaster prompted senior government officials to change their schedules.
Regional Governor Mihail Kasherov described the scene as unprecedented in his experience.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was visiting Bulgaria, adjusted her schedule after Prime Minister Rumen Radev left to travel to the crash site.
President Iliana Yotova also announced plans to cut short her participation in the Paris Peace Forum and return to Bulgaria.
Investigation focuses on road conditions
Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crashes.
Preliminary assessments have identified reduced visibility caused by rapidly forming dense fog, wet road conditions and speeds considered inappropriate for the weather as possible contributing factors.
Authorities have not yet announced a final determination of responsibility.
The investigation will be important in establishing the precise sequence of events and whether additional road-safety measures could have reduced the scale of the disaster.
A major warning about driving in severe fog
The tragedy highlights the dangers of driving in rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly on high-speed roads where reduced visibility can leave drivers with little time to react.
Heavy vehicles can make such incidents especially destructive when multiple collisions occur in close succession.
For families awaiting news about loved ones, the immediate concern remains the identification of victims, treatment of the injured and answers about how the disaster unfolded.
World Media Feed will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates as Bulgarian authorities release further verified information.
Sources and reporting references
- Associated Press, November 10, 2026 — Reporting on the crashes, casualties, government response and initial police assessment.
- Bulgarian government officials, as quoted by the Associated Press.
Editorial note: Casualty figures reflect information available at publication time and may change as authorities update their reports.
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