On the evening of August 21, at around 8:35 p.m., a serious traffic accident occurred on the main avenue of Sunny Beach, opposite the Bravo-1 complex.
A Peugeot 107, registered in Burgas and driven by a Ukrainian citizen, caused chaos after veering into the oncoming traffic lane while traveling towards Sveti Vlas.
According to the Ministry of Interior – Burgas Regional Directorate, the driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, entered the opposite lane under the influence of alcohol.
His vehicle collided head-on with another car traveling in the opposite direction before crashing into a parked bus nearby.
The violent sequence of impacts left both the roadway and bystanders shaken, though fortunately no fatalities were reported in the initial police statement.
The Peugeot driver was immediately tested on the spot with a breathalyzer, which registered an alarmingly high reading of 2.82 per mille — more than five times the legal limit in Bulgaria.
The suspect reportedly refused to provide a blood sample for chemical analysis, further complicating the investigation.
Authorities detained the driver for up to 24 hours, citing his dangerous behavior and the risk he posed to public safety. A fast-track investigation has since been launched, with police preparing charges related to drunk driving and endangerment of road users.
The accident has reignited debate over road safety and reckless driving on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, particularly in popular resort areas like Sunny Beach.
The region, known for its vibrant nightlife, often witnesses an increase in road-related incidents during the summer season when tourists flood the coastal strip.
Eyewitnesses described the crash as sudden and shocking. “We heard a loud bang, and then saw the Peugeot spinning out of control before hitting the bus,” one passerby recounted. “It was clear the driver was not sober.”
Police temporarily closed parts of the avenue to secure the scene and remove the wrecked vehicles. Traffic was redirected, causing delays for more than an hour, as forensic experts carried out inspections.
Officials have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and warned that the Interior Ministry will continue conducting intensive roadside checks across Burgas district, especially in tourist hotspots.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Bulgaria,” a police spokesperson emphasized. “This case is a stark reminder of the dangers.”
Local residents expressed concern that Sunny Beach, already struggling with a reputation for alcohol-related disturbances, could see its image further tarnished by such incidents.
Road safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and harsher penalties for offenders, including foreign drivers.
As the investigation progresses, prosecutors are expected to decide whether the Ukrainian driver will face trial. If convicted, he could be sentenced to prison time, fined, and banned from driving in Bulgaria.
For now, the accident stands as yet another cautionary tale on the perils of drinking and driving — one that could have ended in tragedy but serves as a wake-up call for stricter vigilance on Bulgaria’s roads.