11 Dead, 46 Injured as Thick Fog Causes Massive Crash Involving 70 Vehicles in Bulgaria

(Thick Fog. Photo by BBC News)
At least 11 people have died and 46 others were hurt after two pile-ups on the Trakia motorway in south-eastern Bulgaria.

Health Minister Katya Ivkova said 10 people died at the scene near Zimnitsa and one more died in hospital.

More than 70 vehicles, including cars and lorries, were caught up in the crashes, according to Sliven region governor Mihail Kasherov.

Officials say dense fog cut visibility and was the likely cause of the first crash on the eastbound side.

The second crash, on the Sofia-bound side, was also linked to the fog, with drivers likely distracted by the first accident.

Road administration director Galin Kostov said speeds were too high for the wet and foggy conditions.

The motorway will stay closed until it is cleared.

Rescue teams had to remove parts of the crash barrier to reach the victims, and helicopters could not fly because of the fog.

The injured were taken to hospitals in the Yambol, Sliven and Burgas regions.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev cut short a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when news of the crash came in.