More than 10 killed in pileups involving 50 vehicles in Bulgaria

More than 10 people were killed in two pileups involving around 50 vehicles on a major highway in southeastern Bulgaria on Tuesday, prompting its closure in both directions, local authorities said, according to Anadolu Agency.

The crashes happened on opposite carriageways of the Trakia Motorway near the Zimnitsa junction in the Yambol region, at kilometres 289 and 294, regional Governor Georgi Chalakov told Bulgarian national news agency BTA.

The Interior Ministry said dense fog had reduced visibility. Galin Kostov, director of the Regional Road Administration, also cited wet road conditions and speeds unsuitable for the weather.

Four people with serious injuries were taken to St. Panteleimon Hospital in Yambol, Deputy Hospital Director Valentin Valchev said.

Eight other injured people were due to be taken to a hospital in the nearby city of Sliven, Regional Governor Mihail Kasherov said. One of them was in very serious condition with a traumatic brain injury.

Emergency crews were dispatched after the first report came in at 7:10 a.m. (0510 GMT), Chalakov said.

Rescue workers had to remove sections of crash barriers to reach some of the injured, while dense fog prevented helicopter evacuations.

Authorities said the highway was closed in both directions and was expected to remain shut until all vehicles had been removed.