Dense Fog Triggers Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crashes in Bulgaria, 12 Killed

At least 12 people have been killed and 46 others injured in a series of multi-vehicle crashes caused by dense fog on a highway in southeastern Bulgaria.

The accidents occurred on Tuesday (November 10) along a major highway, a government minister said. Al Jazeera reported the incident.

The crashes took place near the city of Yambol, on the highway linking the capital, Sofia, with the Black Sea port city of Burgas. Traffic was suspended in both directions following the accidents.

According to state news agency BTA, Yambol regional governor Georgi Chalakov said around 50 cars and trucks were involved in the crashes.

Health Minister Katya Ivkova said 10 people died at the scene, while two others died on their way to hospital. The 46 injured people were taken to several hospitals for treatment.

At the time of the accidents, Prime Minister Rumen Radev was meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was visiting Bulgaria. Following the incident, he cancelled his scheduled official engagements for Tuesday and described the crashes as a tragic accident.

The injured were taken to hospitals in nearby cities. The government also dispatched two specially equipped aircraft carrying stretchers and medical teams to help evacuate the victims.

Bulgaria’s roads, particularly in the southeastern region, are considered among the most dangerous in the European Union (EU).

According to European Commission statistics, 71 people per million inhabitants died in road accidents in Bulgaria in 2025, the highest rate among EU member states.