18-year-old driver dies, 17-year-old passenger critically injured in Smjadovo crash

Around 00:30 on Sunday, police received a report of a serious road accident in the village of Smjadovo, Shumen province, Bulgaria. An 18‑year‑old driver, who did not hold a driving licence, was operating a Daihatsu Terios at an excessive speed. While taking a right‑hand turn he lost control, the car left the roadway and overturned into the river‑bed ditch of the Smjadova River.

The young driver was killed at the scene. The 17‑year‑old passenger, also from Smjadovo, was rescued by fire‑department crews and transferred to the Shumen Multidisciplinary Hospital with multiple fractures and a left‑sided pneumothorax, placing his life in jeopardy. Police, fire and emergency‑medical services attended the site, conducted a thorough investigation and opened a criminal proceeding.

Authorities confirmed the vehicle had a Shumen registration and that the incident is being treated as a serious traffic violation involving an unlicensed driver.