Title: Struma Highway Tragedy: "P『』тная Инфраструктура" Liable, Must Pay €10,000 Compensation Each to Survivors
In a tragic incident on the Struma Highway, 45 people from Northern Macedonia lost their lives when a tourist bus carrying 52 people crashed into a guardrail, caught fire, and burned to ashes. The incident occurred around 02:00 on November 23, 2021, on the 31st kilometer near Bosnek village.
The case took a significant turn when the Pernik Regional Court ruled that "P Athletics Infrastructure" (API) shares 10% of the blame for the catastrophe. The agency is now ordered to pay €10,000 compensation each to the survivors for non-material damages.
API’s negligence is attributed to several factors. Firstly, no Act 16 for the highway had been issued for the section where the accident happened, effectively classifying it as a speedway. The stretch was opened in 2007 under Act 15. Secondly, the driver exceeded the allowed speed limit, driving at 106 km/h in a 120 km/h zone. Geometric characteristics were also not adhered to during the speedway’s design, as the intended cross slope only accommodates speeds up to 90 km/h.
Previously, an expert report revealed maintenance oversights on the highway, contributing to the accident’s cause.
The Pernik Regional Court’s verdict highlights the importance of proper road maintenance and adherence to Safety Standards to prevent such tragedies in the future. The exact amount to be compensated and the process for allocating it remain to be determined.
Sources: BTV and Nova.bg
