Over 3,000 serious road accidents claim 219 lives in Bulgaria in first half 2026

More than 3,000 serious road accidents were recorded in Bulgaria during the first six months of 2026, resulting in 219 fatalities and 3,759 injuries, according to a report by the State Agency for Road Safety.

The analysis shows that all key road safety indicators have deteriorated compared to the same period in 2025, Bulgarian National Radio's Horizont programme reported.

Drivers accounted for the largest share of those killed, with 118 fatalities, followed by 61 passengers and 39 pedestrians. According to the report, motorists were responsible for 92% of all serious accidents, with the most common causes being failure to yield the right of way, inappropriate speed and improper manoeuvres.

Riders of electric scooters caused 131 accidents, most of them due to excessive or inappropriate speed.

The highest number of serious road accidents was recorded in Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv. The statistics also indicate that Monday is the most dangerous day to drive, with the highest accident risk occurring between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova