Tragedy on Trakia Motorway
Thirteen people are now dead following two massive chain-reaction crashes on Bulgaria’s Trakia Motorway, after a 42-year-old man from Elhovo died from his injuries in a Burgas hospital, boulevardbulgaria.bg reported.
The initial multi-vehicle pileups occurred on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 10, near the Zimnica interchange close to Yambol, amid dense fog that severely restricted visibility across the roadway, OFFNews reported. Eighty-six vehicles collided in the chain-reaction crashes, injuring more than 50 people and prompting the government to declare Nov. 11 a day of national mourning.
Fourteen Patients Remain Hospitalized Across Bulgaria
Fourteen patients remain hospitalized across several medical facilities in Bulgaria following the disaster, bntnews.bg reported. Eight individuals are receiving treatment in Sliven, three in Sofia, one in Yambol, and two in Burgas.
The hospital confirmed that the Romanian patient has been extubated, breathes independently, and remains under continuous medical observation.
Four other patients admitted to the same facility were discharged in good overall condition to continue their recovery outside the hospital, OFFNews reported. A 37-year-old pediatric infectious diseases specialist injured in the pileup was moved out of intensive care into the orthopedics and traumatology clinic.
Investigation Into the Motorway Collisions
Investigators have not ruled out any scenarios as they examine how the massive pileup unfolded under heavy fog, according to Novini SEGA. National Investigation Service investigator Yasen Todorov told journalists that the inquiry could conclude with multiple defendants or no criminal charges at all.
“I work on absolutely all versions. There is no leading version until one is dropped,” Todorov told SEGA News.
Authorities have performed autopsies on the victims and ordered forensic medical examinations to establish the exact sequence of events, Novini SEGA reported.
“I simply want to praise the heroism of the Ministry of Interior employees, from Yambol, from Sliven, police officers, firefighters, investigating police officers, emergency medical personnel, who responded very adequately and managed to control the situation in order to minimize casualties.” Todorov told SEGA News.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crash
How many vehicles were involved in the Trakia Motorway pileups?
Eighty-six vehicles collided in the chain-reaction crashes that occurred on Nov. 10 near the Zimnica interchange, OFFNews reported. Dense fog at the scene contributed to the multi-vehicle disaster.
What is the current death toll from the motorway accidents?
The death toll reached 13 after a 42-year-old man from Elhovo died in a Burgas hospital from severe injuries sustained during the collisions, boulevardbulgaria.bg reported.
Are there foreign nationals among the injured survivors?
Yes, a 62-year-old Romanian citizen is among the remaining hospitalized patients, receiving treatment under continuous medical observation in Burgas, OFFNews reported.
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