Bulgaria faces intense summer road traffic and emergency measures

During the peak summer season, Bulgaria’s main road arteries and border crossings experienced heavy traffic, prompting the Road Infrastructure Agency (API), the Ministry of Interior, and the Fire Safety and Population Protection Directorate to operate in an intensified control mode.

API introduced temporary measures from 22 to 24 July, restricting trucks over 12 tonnes between 08:00‑15:00 and closing the fast lane on the Trakia and Hemus motorways for vegetation clearing. Border points to Greece (Kula, Makaza) and Turkey (Kapitan Andreevo) reported intense vehicle flows, with authorities urging the use of smaller, alternative checkpoints.

The Ministry of Interior recorded 16 severe road accidents in the previous 24 hours, resulting in two fatalities and 17 injuries; the month’s total stands at 451 accidents, 31 deaths and 566 injuries. Fire services responded to 93 incidents, extinguishing 54 fires, 26 of which caused material damage. Mountain rescue services advised hikers to start early, stay hydrated, and avoid afternoon exposure due to high temperatures and localized thunderstorms.