Bulgaria is mourning the victims of one of the country’s most devastating road tragedies in recent years. On the morning of November 10, two major chain-reaction collisions occurred on the Trakia Motorway, near the Zimnitsa junction in the Yambol region of southeastern Bulgaria. At least 11 people lost their lives and 51 were taken to hospital, while 86 vehicles were involved in the two crashes.
The accidents happened on opposite carriageways of the motorway, which connects the capital Sofia with the Black Sea city of Burgas. Dense fog severely reduced visibility in the area, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions. The first collision triggered a massive pile-up, followed by a second series of crashes on the opposite side of the motorway. Emergency services faced a major rescue operation, with firefighters, police officers, medical teams and military personnel mobilised to assist those involved.
In response to the tragedy, the Bulgarian government declared November 11 a Day of National Mourning. National flags at government institutions were lowered to half-mast, while official celebrations and entertainment events were cancelled as the country paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
The sporting community has also joined the nationwide expressions of grief.
The Bulgarian Olympic Committee, the Bulgarian Football Union and numerous clubs have extended their condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. Basketball clubs Balkan Botevgrad and PAOK also announced that a minute of silence would be observed before their European match in memory of those who died.
Tributes are also expected at volleyball events, including the Champions League fixture between Levski Sofia and Mladost Zagreb scheduled for November 11. The sporting world will thus join the rest of the country in honouring the victims and standing in solidarity with everyone affected.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Bulgarian sporting community, which has united in a moment of national grief that goes far beyond the boundaries of sport.
The entire Volleytimes team extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We also wish strength to everyone affected and a full and speedy recovery to all those injured.
May the victims rest in peace.