Sliven hit by hurricane-force winds causing damage and injuries

Hurricane-force winds exceeding 100 km/h have caused significant damage and casualties in the Sliven region of Bulgaria. A man is in critical condition after being struck by a large falling tree branch, suffering broken vertebrae and a punctured lung. He is being prepared for emergency surgery in Sofia.

The severe weather has caused widespread infrastructure damage, including destruction to a hotel complex's roof and windows, damage to the trolleybus network, and overturned heavy trucks on the Gurkovo–Nikolaevo road. In response to the dangerous conditions, Mayor Stefan Radev ordered the suspension of educational activities to ensure children can return home safely.

Local authorities have responded to nearly 100 emergency signals. Regional Governor Mihail Kasherov and Deputy Mayor Kamen Kostov have emphasized the need for stricter inspections of high-risk trees, noting that the current presence of foliage increases wind pressure on tree structures.