Bus driver found guilty of accident in Bulgaria, where 45 Macedonian citizens lost their lives

Bulgarian prosecutor Borislav Sarafov has said Tuesday about news agency B. GNES, that responsible for the severe tragedy is the bus driver of the agency “Besa Trans”.

The accident's “is the loss of control over the bus from the driver. But, even the high and inappropriate speed, above the allowed” rates, has declared Bulgarian National Investigation Service head Borislav Sarafov.

He said the verdict should now be executed by judicial authorities in northern Macedonia and the victims' families announced, as they have the right to control the materials.

The accident occurred in the early hours of November 23rd, 2021, when the agency's bus “Besa Trans”, which was returning from Istanbul, hit a bank on Struma Highway, near the village of Bosnek, with whom 45 people lost their lives, while seven others suffered bodily injuries.

Among the victims were 12 children, while most were family members who had travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, for a three-day visit.

Investigations concerning the case have also started in northern Macedonia, as authorities have found that the accident bus had no permission for international transportation of travellers.

Two customs officers have been suspended after allowing the bus without permission to cross the border, the travel agency has been cleared of work, while its leader, now following Bulgaria's investigation report on the causes of the accident, may face other measures.

Bulgaria has faced several fatal road accidents in the past as well.

The latest accident occurred in 2018, when 17 Bulgarian tourists had lost their lives after the bus slide and roll as a result of humidity.