Court in Pernik Rules: API Partially Responsible for 2021 Struma River Bus Tragedy
In a landmark decision, the Pernik District Court has found the private bus transport company, Auto-Plumbing Industry (API), partially responsible for the 2021 Struma River bus accident that claimed the lives of 46 people. The case, one of Bulgaria’s deadliest road tragedies, has been a subject of national outrage and intense scrutiny.
The court ruled that API’s negligence in maintaining the vehicle and ensuring the safety of its passengers contributed to the fatal crash. The company was ordered to pay a total of €10,000 in compensation to the victims’ families. API has expressed its intention to appeal the decision.
This ruling comes weeks after it was revealed that the bus driver, who also perished in the accident, had been working excessive hours, raising questions about API’s regulatory compliance and labor practices.
The tragic event occurred in late December 2021 when a Macedonian-registered bus, operated by API, plunged into the Struma River near the Bulgarian town of Bosnek. The bus, en route from Sofia to Greece, was carrying mostly Macedonian and Turkish migrant workers.
Victims’ families and advocacy groups have long called for justice and accountability, with many accusing transport authorities of negligence in enforcing safety standards for private bus operators.
The Pernik court case is expected to set a precedent for future investigations and litigation involving private transport companies, potentially leading to enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations.
