Burgas Court rejects recusal request in fatal Sunny Beach ATV crash trial

The Burgas District Court has rejected a defense request to recuse the judicial panel in the trial of Nikola Burgazliev, who is accused of causing a fatal ATV accident in Sunny Beach in August 2025. The defense argued that the court showed bias during the consideration of evidence.

During the proceedings, experts testified regarding chemical-toxicological analyses of Burgazliev’s blood and urine. The results indicated the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, suggesting use within 36 to 48 hours prior to sample collection. Experts characterized the use as incidental rather than systemic. The defense has challenged the sampling procedures and noted a negative result from a field drug test conducted immediately after the crash.

The incident occurred on August 14, 2025, when Burgazliev’s ATV drove onto a sidewalk, striking pedestrians. The crash resulted in the death of 35-year-old Hristina Zdravkova and left her four-year-old son with severe traumatic brain injuries. The prosecution is pursuing charges of causing death with potential intent and bodily harm to others.