Over 70 Vehicles Crash on Bulgarian Highway Amid Dense Fog: 11 Dead, Nearly 50 Injured; Several Vehicles Catch Fire
More than 70 cars and trucks collided on a highway in eastern Bulgaria on November 10, 2026, amid dense fog and extremely low visibility. At least 11 people lost their lives and nearly 50 were injured in this horrific accident. Following the collisions, several vehicles caught fire, compounding the tragedy.
Where and How Did the Accident Happen?
The crash occurred near Yambol on the highway connecting the capital Sofia with the eastern coastal city of Burgas.
According to Regional Governor Mihail Kasherov, over 70 vehicles were involved in collisions occurring on both sides of the road.
Initial reports indicate that collisions took place at two separate locations a few kilometers apart near the Zimnitsa junction. One occurred on the lane heading toward Burgas, involving a bus and a truck, while the other took place on the traffic lane heading toward Sofia.
Acting Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lyubomir Nikolov, stated that dense fog might be one of the primary causes. According to an eyewitness, visibility dropped to approximately 30 meters.
Officials have also cited slippery road conditions and high speeds as contributing factors.
Relief and Rescue Operations
Police, fire departments, and emergency medical teams were immediately dispatched.
Aircraft were arranged to airlift critically injured individuals to hospitals.
One person rescued a man from a burning vehicle by smashing the car window with a jack.
A crisis response team has been activated, and the highway remains closed in both directions. Formal investigations will begin once rescue operations conclude.
Reactions from Top Leaders
Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed the fatalities and described it as a major tragedy. He announced the cancellation of his schedule in Varna to visit the accident site.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was in Bulgaria for a Black Sea regional visit, expressed her condolences, commended emergency responders, and cut her visit short.
