Tragic Train Crash in Bulgaria Brings High-Level Resignations

In Bulgaria’s railway sector, the tragic train accident near Lokorsko has led to significant leadership changes. Two people were killed and six passengers were injured. Following the accident, Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov announced the resignations of the General Director of the Bulgarian Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC), Stoyan Stoyanov, and the General Director of the Bulgarian Railway Company (BDZ), Christian Krastev.

Accountability and Security Issues on the Agenda

The resignations came in response to growing public anger and demands for accountability following the accident, which exposed serious safety flaws at the railway and prompted public demands for greater safety protocols and management accountability.

Former Transport Minister Krasimira Stoyanova has called on Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev to dismiss Deputy Minister Biser Minchev, stressing that this step would be a sign of the government’s commitment to systemic reforms.

Reforms and Future Plans

Following the accident, the government promised to implement reforms in the railway sector. These reforms aim to improve infrastructure safety and prevent similar accidents in the future. The interim managers Chavdar Trendafil (BDZ-Freight Transport) and Alexander Vetzkov (NRIC) have begun work to stabilize the sector.

These developments clearly demonstrate the need for urgent reforms in railway safety and management in Bulgaria.