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At least 12 people killed and dozens hurt in crashes on a foggy Bulgarian motorway, minister says
Officials said dense fog and wet roads triggered two chain-reaction crashes, with 86 vehicles involved and dozens injured.
On Tuesday, a massive pile-up involving about 50 vehicles on Bulgaria's Trakia Highway left at least 12 people dead, with emergency crews working through wreckage in southeastern Bulgaria.
Dense fog reduced visibility between the Zimnitsa and Karnobat interchanges, triggering chain-reaction crashes on both sides of the highway spanning from kilometer 289 to kilometer 323.
Deputy Director Valentin Valchev noted several patients are in critical condition after some 27 injured people were transported to hospitals in Yambol and Sliven, while rescue teams cut through metal to free trapped victims.
The BG-Alert system urged motorists to use alternative routes as authorities closed the highway in both directions, and Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev dispatched officials to manage rescue operations.
Regional Road Administration Director Galin Kostov stated the highway will remain closed until all wreckage is cleared, and authorities will conduct investigative actions once rescue efforts conclude.