A man aged around 70 died and 16 people were injured after a bus and truck collided on the Hemus Highway near the entrance to Sofia shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Sofia Road Safety Department and emergency officials.
Eight ambulances were dispatched to the scene. The injured were transported to several hospitals across the capital. Among those hurt was a child and a mother travelling with a small child. Some of the victims remain hospitalised.
Emergency crews worked through the night to remove passengers from the damaged bus and secure the area around the highway. Police, firefighters, and medical teams coordinated operations while traffic in the area was reorganised.
Second Crash Near Vladaya
A second serious traffic accident was reported near Vladaya the same night, where five more people were injured. Among them were two pregnant women, aged 20 and 21, who were admitted to the Pirogov emergency hospital. Officials said the driver involved in that crash suffered a concussion, fractures, and severe shock.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not yet clarified how the collision between the bus and the truck occurred. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is continuing. The Interior Ministry is expected to release additional details later regarding the cause of the deadly crash.
Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and praised the overnight emergency response. "Municipal teams reacted immediately after the signal was received through 112," he said in a statement.
According to Terziev, city services worked alongside emergency medical teams, police officers, and fire safety units to secure the site, redirect traffic, and assist with the evacuation of passengers from the bus.
"I thank all the teams who worked overnight under pressure and in difficult conditions," the mayor stated. "Such incidents are a reminder of how important discipline, attention, and responsibility on the road are for every one of us."
What This Means for British Expats
The Hemus Highway is a major transport artery linking Sofia to northern Bulgaria and is frequently used by British nationals travelling to or from the capital. Road safety on Bulgaria's major highways remains a concern, with heavy goods vehicle collisions a recurring issue on this route.
British expats and visitors should be aware that emergency medical care in Sofia is coordinated through the 112 emergency number, the same system used across the EU. The Pirogov emergency hospital, which treated some of the victims from the second crash, is Sofia's main trauma centre and provides urgent care to serious accident victims.
The ongoing investigation may lead to further details about safety measures and contributing factors. Bulgaria's road safety regulations align with EU directives on vehicle standards and driver training, though enforcement and infrastructure challenges persist on some major routes. British nationals planning travel on the Hemus Highway should exercise normal road safety precautions and be aware that serious accidents involving buses and trucks occur with some frequency.