Truck falls off Struma highway bridge near Pernik, Bulgaria, killing one and injuring dozens

A heavy truck on the Struma highway near Pernik broke through the protective mantinel and plunged off the bridge into the gorge below. The impact crushed the cab and scattered the cargo. Emergency crews from the police, fire service and medical rescue responded to the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital in Pernik; his condition was not immediately disclosed. One person was confirmed dead and 25 others were injured, according to the regional police directorate.

Traffic on the highway was only briefly affected, and drivers were urged to proceed with caution. The incident has renewed attention on road safety along this stretch of the motorway, which has seen several serious accidents in recent weeks.