Newsletters
Shockwaves have swept across Bulgaria after a deadly high-speed crash in Sofia left one person dead and six injured, thrusting the nation into a heated debate over road safety and reckless driving.
The early-morning collision on Aug. 15, 2025, has sparked outrage and triggered an urgent law enforcement crackdown.
At approximately 1:46 a.m. on Aug. 15, Viktor Iliev collided at high speed with a stationary public transport bus at the intersection of Vazkresenie and Konstantin Velichkov boulevards in Sofia.
The bus was halted at a red light, preparing to turn toward the Krasna Polyana neighborhood.
Iliev's vehicle, a car borrowed from a friend, was estimated to be traveling between 170 and 200 kilometers/hour when it struck the bus, causing significant damage.
The collision resulted in the death of a Syrian national, who was the sole passenger on the bus. Six others were injured, including Iliev himself, with two passengers in life-threatening condition.
Emergency responders acted promptly, transporting victims to multiple hospitals, including the Military Medical Academy and Pirogov Emergency Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol and drug tests for Iliev were negative, but a canister of nitrous oxide was found in his car, prompting further toxicological analysis.
According to the BTA News, after the horrific incident, the Sofia police department has launched a targeted operation in Roma-majority neighborhoods, including the “Fakulteta” district where Iliev resides.
Patrols have been deployed at the main entrances and exits of these areas to monitor traffic and verify driver credentials.
Authorities are cross-referencing collected data with driving school records and the State Automobile Administration to ensure licenses were properly issued.
The operation also involves inspections of driving schools and verification of documents, aiming to identify drivers with questionable licenses and prevent future abuses in the licensing process.
Following the crash, the Sofia City Court has ordered the permanent detention of Viktor Iliev. According to Novinite, he faces charges of causing death by negligence.
Prosecutor Sabina Hristova emphasized the public danger posed by his actions, noting eyewitness accounts of Iliev ignoring pleas to reduce speed.
Iliev sustained multiple fractures in the crash and requested house arrest due to his medical condition.
However, the court opted for maximum detention. The decision is not final and may be appealed within three days.
The accident has sparked widespread public outrage, with citizens questioning the ease of obtaining driver’s licenses and the enforcement of traffic laws.
Community leaders and residents are calling for stricter oversight of driving schools and stronger road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Authorities continue investigations to determine if systemic issues exist within the licensing process and to hold responsible parties accountable
1 min read
4 min read
