Bulgaria News

A 29-year-old Irish tourist tragically lost his life after falling 1,900 feet while taking photographs at a ski resort near Bansko in Bulgaria. The incident occurred at the base of Vihren, Bulgaria's second-highest mountain. The tourist lost his balance while capturing scenic views with a group and suffered severe injuries from the fall, according to Metro. A mountain rescue team quickly transported him to a hospital in Razlog, where he succumbed to his injuries despite the medical team's efforts, Dr. Valentin Belchev confirmed. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs reported that they are aware of the situation and are providing consular assistance, though they refrained from disclosing specific details. Bansko, located about 97 miles south of Sofia, has become a popular destination for ski enthusiasts, attracting a record 190,000 visitors last winter, reflecting a significant rise from the previous season. This incident follows a series of recent dangers in the Alps, including deadly avalanches in Italy.

Human rights organizations are calling for an independent investigation into the deaths of three Egyptian teenage boys who froze to death near the Bulgarian-Turkish border in late December 2024. A report from No Name Kitchen and Collettivo Rotte Balcaniche claims that Bulgarian border police ignored emergency calls and obstructed rescue efforts made by activists trying to save the boys. The report, titled "Frozen Lives," presents evidence suggesting that the boys—17-year-old Ahmed Samra, 16-year-old Ahmed Elawdan, and 15-year-old Seifalla Elbeltagy—were lost in freezing temperatures and had made emergency calls for help while stranded in the forests of Burgas. Despite providing GPS locations to authorities, the boys were found deceased days later. Witnesses allege that border police were seen near the boys before their bodies were discovered, raising concerns about the police’s failure to act appropriately. Activists reported that border police hindered their rescue attempts and subjected them to intimidation during their efforts. The Bulgarian interior ministry, however, refuted these claims, stating that its border forces acted promptly in response to distress signals. They emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance and reported conducting numerous search-and-rescue operations in 2024. In light of the tragedy, activists stress that the responsibility to aid individuals in distress should rest with trained border police rather than volunteer rescuers. Calls continue for accountability and systemic changes in how Bulgarian authorities manage migrant safety.