Bulgaria, Sofia City Province – Authorities launch urgent manhunt after coordinated knife attacks injure four German nationals in central Sofia within minutes
Police in Sofia have launched an intensive manhunt for a woman suspected of carrying out a series of knife attacks that left four foreign nationals injured in the Bulgarian capital on Thursday evening.
Authorities confirmed that all victims are German citizens and are currently receiving medical care. Officials stated that none of the injuries are considered life-threatening, although two of the victims required surgical intervention.
The first emergency call was received at approximately 19:29 local time. Two ambulance teams were immediately dispatched to the area near the Vasil Levski Stadium metro station, a busy location in central Sofia frequently used by commuters and tourists.
Upon arrival, medical teams discovered two men, aged 63 and 65, suffering from stab wounds to the upper body. The injuries included trauma to the head and torso, prompting urgent medical attention at the scene.
Both victims were quickly transported to the emergency hospital Pirogov, one of the country’s leading trauma centers. Hospital officials later confirmed that the men underwent surgical procedures and are now in stable condition.
Doctors emphasized that while the injuries were serious, they are not considered immediately life-threatening. The patients remain under close observation as part of their recovery process.
Approximately 15 minutes after the first incident, a second alert was received by emergency services. This time, the reported location was near the Hemus Hotel and a public transport stop along Cherni Vrah Boulevard.
Emergency responders arriving at the second scene found two women, aged 26 and 30, with knife wounds to their arms and shoulders. Compared to the earlier victims, their injuries were less severe.
The women were transported to the Military Medical Academy, where they received treatment. Medical officials later confirmed that their injuries are not serious, and both are expected to recover without complications.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the same individual is responsible for both attacks. Authorities believe the suspect, described as a woman, carried out the assaults within a short time span and across nearby locations in the city center.
Law enforcement agencies have since launched a coordinated operation to identify and apprehend the suspect. Patrol units have been deployed across key areas of Sofia, while surveillance footage from nearby cameras is being reviewed.
Police have not yet released a detailed description of the suspect but are urging anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses in both locations are also being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials have not disclosed a possible motive behind the attacks. However, investigators are examining multiple angles, including whether the assaults were random or targeted.
The fact that all four victims are foreign nationals has drawn particular attention from authorities. While there is currently no indication that nationality played a role, police are treating the matter with heightened sensitivity.
The German Embassy in Sofia has been informed of the incident and is reportedly in contact with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide assistance to the victims.
Security presence in central Sofia has been increased following the attacks. Police officers have been stationed at major transport hubs and public areas as a precautionary measure.
Residents and visitors have been advised to remain vigilant, although officials have stressed that there is no immediate widespread threat to public safety.
The incidents have raised concerns about urban safety, particularly in areas that are typically considered secure and heavily frequented. The proximity of the two attack sites has also led to speculation about whether the suspect deliberately chose crowded locations.
Experts note that the rapid succession of the attacks suggests a level of planning or impulsive escalation. However, without a confirmed motive or suspect identity, conclusions remain speculative.
Authorities are continuing to piece together the timeline of events. Investigators are working to determine how the suspect moved between the two locations and whether any accomplices may have been involved.
Public transport services in the affected areas continued to operate, although some delays were reported as emergency teams responded to the incidents.
Local residents described scenes of confusion and concern as emergency vehicles arrived at both locations. Witnesses reported seeing victims receiving immediate medical assistance before being transported to hospitals.
Officials have reassured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to resolve the case swiftly. Police units are coordinating closely with emergency services and other agencies involved in the response.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release further updates, including any developments related to the suspect’s identity or possible arrest.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and providing care to those affected by the attacks. The case has become a top priority for Sofia police, with efforts intensifying to locate the suspect and prevent any further incidents.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members