Karavelovo, Bulgaria — A celebratory gathering in the otherwise quiet village of Karavelovo near Karlovo turned into tragedy in the early hours of Saturday morning when a 23-year-old man was fatally shot by a soldier, the Military District Prosecutor’s Office in Plovdiv has confirmed.
The fatal incident occurred around 2 a.m. during a private celebration marking the birth of a child. The party, held in a residential yard, was abruptly halted when the young man was struck in the chest by a projectile fired from an air rifle.
The shooter, identified as a 30-year-old active-duty soldier, was reportedly demonstrating the weapon to guests at the event.
Despite immediate attempts to assist the victim, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting. Emergency services and law enforcement officers were quickly dispatched to the scene following a distress call.
Initial findings from the investigation suggest that the shooting was accidental. According to the authorities, the soldier had consumed alcohol prior to the incident. A breathalyzer test conducted shortly after his detention showed a blood alcohol level of 1.7 per mille—well above the legal limit.
The soldier has been detained for 24 hours under the Military Police Act, and pre-trial proceedings have been initiated. These include collecting testimonies from witnesses, ordering forensic and ballistic examinations, and preserving all material evidence related to the case.
Officials also noted that the air rifle involved in the incident was legally registered. However, the documentation for the weapon is currently undergoing a thorough inspection to confirm its legality and compliance with regulations.
The Plovdiv Military District Prosecutor’s Office stated that the serviceman is expected to face charges of murder committed in a manner dangerous to the lives of many. The formulation of the charge indicates that the context of the event—occurring during a social gathering—adds a level of gravity to the prosecution’s assessment.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider Karlovo region. Residents expressed disbelief that a moment of joy and family celebration could end in such sudden loss.
Authorities have refrained from releasing the names of the victim or the accused at this time. The investigation remains active, and updates will follow as new information emerges.
Meanwhile, military and civilian prosecutors are working in close coordination to ensure that the case is handled with the utmost seriousness and transparency.