At least 12 killed in pile-ups on foggy Bulgarian motorway

At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in two pile-ups involving about 86 vehicles on Bulgaria’s Trakia motorway on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, citing Health Minister Katya Ivkova. The crashes closed the road in both directions.

The collisions happened on opposite carriageways near Yambol, on the route linking Sofia with the Black Sea port of Burgas. Ivkova said 10 people died at the scene and two more died while being taken to hospital; 46 people were taken for treatment.

Police launched an investigation. Initial assessments pointed to dense fog, a wet road surface and speeds unsuitable for the conditions, the AP reported. The cause has not been conclusively established.

Earlier on Tuesday, Radio Bulgaria reported at least 11 deaths and 49 injuries, citing a press conference by Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The casualty count was later updated by Ivkova.