Bulgaria Trakia motorway crash kills two children and a father

A severe collision on the Trakia motorway in Bulgaria killed two 9‑year‑old children from the Slavia football club and the father of one of the victims. The crash involved a heavy truck driven by 53‑year‑old Encho Denev, who has a record of 20 traffic violations and was involved in a similar accident two years earlier. The vehicle was travelling at the permitted speed of 90 km/h in the active lane when it crossed the median and struck an on‑coming car.

Investigators have examined footage that appears to show the truck driver holding a phone and a cup shortly before the impact, though the authenticity of the video is not confirmed. Early reports suggest a possible front‑left tyre failure, but no evidence has been found that the driver was asleep. Witnesses described the truck's abrupt lane change and the ensuing chaos, while authorities continue forensic examinations to determine the exact cause of the crash.