site.btaSix Dead and 23 Hurt in Deadly Crash on Trakia Motorway

Sofia, April 13 (BTA) - Six people died and 23 were injured in a deadly crash on Sofia Motorway near Vakarel on Friday. The crash occurred just before noon when a bus capsized after an apparent collision with a car.

At some point during the day it was reported that four more people had died but that was subsequently denied.

According to some media reports, the bus was hit by a car and flipped over crashing into the roadside ditch.

Interior Minister Valentin Radev later confirmed that there was a crash between the bus and a car, and that the car was passing the bus when the accident occurred. It was not clear from his remarks who caused the crash.

The bus was performing a regular service from the Black Sea city of Bourgas to Sofia. A check by the authorities has established that the bus, the bus company (Union Ivkoni) and the driver had all requisite documents. 
 
Fourteen ambulances were sent to the accident site and the injured were taken to several hospitals in Sofia.

The Sofia District Prosecution Office has opened an investigation.

The government declared April 14, Saturday, a day of national mourning for the victims of the crash.

Parliament Chair Tsveta Karayancheva, President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov offered condolences to the bereaved families.