Bulgaria Trakia highway crash kills three, including two children

A fatal collision on the Trakia motorway occurred when a heavy truck crossed the median barrier and struck a light car. The impact caused the car to be almost completely destroyed and resulted in three deaths – two schoolchildren from the "Slavia" club and the children's father. An eyewitness who was traveling behind the truck called emergency services and described the scene of smoke, leaking fuel and a smashed vehicle.

Police and prosecutors say the most likely cause was a sudden tire burst on the truck, which allegedly led the driver to lose control. However, road‑safety expert Nikolay Kolev challenged this version, stating, "If a tire had burst, there should have been marks of a broken rim and deep gouge in the asphalt," and suggested that a problem with the rear suspension or inadequate guardrail performance might be responsible. He also pointed out that the median barrier failed to contain the truck.

The incident has sparked criticism of the highway's safety infrastructure. The victims' families received medical care, and the "Slavia" club announced a month of mourning and a charity match to support the bereaved.