Truly awful news.
At least 45 people have died after a bus crashed in flames on a motorway in western Bulgaria, according to the country’s officials.
The incident occurred at around 2am on Tuesday on the Struma motorway about 45km from the capital Sofia.
The coach was reportedly registered to North Macedonia and it is currently unclear what caused the accident.
However, Bulgarian officials have stated that the bus appears to have collided with a motorway barrier either before or after it caught on fire.
Among the 45 people that died were 12 minors, while seven passengers are said to have survived.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen expressed her sympathies to the crash victims’ families.
“My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who perished in the tragic bus accident last night in Bulgaria,” she wrote.
“I also wish a fast recovery to those injured.
“In these terrible times, Europe stands in solidarity with you.”
My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who perished in the tragic bus accident last night in Bulgaria.
I also wish a fast recovery to those injured.
In these terrible times, Europe stands in solidarity with you.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 23, 2021
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
