Passengers aboard a Plovdiv to Dimitrovgrad train were forced to take matters into their own hands after a technical malfunction left the locomotive stranded on the tracks.
In an unusual display of teamwork, the passengers physically pushed the train to resolve the issue, allowing it to resume its journey with minimal delay.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, was first reported by writer and blogger Yordanka Nikolova on her Facebook page.
According to Nikolova, the train had just departed from Plovdiv when the driver announced that they were stuck due to a problem with the pantograph—a critical component that connects the train to the overhead electrical lines.
Without a functioning pantograph, the train could not draw power, leaving it immobilized on the tracks.
As passengers grew anxious over the unexpected delay, one individual suggested an unconventional solution: pushing the train.
To the surprise of many, the suggestion was taken seriously. After consulting with the driver, a group of passengers gathered outside the train and began pushing it. Their efforts moved the train approximately twenty meters.
The physical effort of the passengers proved successful. As the train moved forward, the pantograph reconnected with the overhead electrical lines, restoring power to the locomotive.
Shortly afterward, the train resumed its journey toward Dimitrovgrad. Despite the unscheduled stop and the unique intervention by the passengers, the train arrived in Dimitrovgrad just nine minutes behind schedule.
Speaking to local media, Nikolova described the experience as surreal. “We were all a bit stunned at first, but there was this sense of camaraderie among the passengers. It’s not every day that you see something like this. People were laughing, but we were all determined to get moving again,” she said.
The incident has sparked conversations on social media, with some praising the passengers for their resourcefulness, while others criticized the situation as an example of the challenges faced by Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ).
Several commenters pointed out that passengers should not have to physically intervene to resolve technical issues on the railway system.
In response to inquiries about the incident, BDZ released a brief statement acknowledging the event.
“We are aware of the situation that occurred on the Plovdiv to Dimitrovgrad route, and we are currently investigating the technical malfunction.”
“We commend the passengers for their cooperation, but we want to assure the public that safety is our top priority. Measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
The incident has drawn attention to the state of Bulgaria’s railway infrastructure, which has been the subject of criticism in recent years due to frequent delays and equipment failures.
While many passengers took the event in stride, others see it as a reminder of the need for investment in modernizing the rail network.
For now, the story of the passengers who pushed their train to fix a malfunction will likely remain a memorable anecdote, symbolizing both the resilience of Bulgarian travelers and the ongoing challenges faced by the nation’s railway system.