Bulgarian Driver Jailed for Three Years After Drug-Related Crash Kills Young Woman
A Bulgarian driver has been sentenced to three years in prison after causing a fatal car crash while under the influence of drugs. The incident resulted in the death of 22-year-old Svetomiра from Shumen in November 2022.
The Vararna District Court found the driver, identified as 34-year-old Zhecho Kurdchiev, guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving. The court also ordered him to pay BGN 10,000 (approximately USD 5,700) in damages to the victim’s family.
The tragic event occurred on the evening of November 12, 2022, when Kurdchiev, who was reportedly impaired by drugs, lost control of his vehicle on the national road between Shumen and Varna. His car collided head-on with another vehicle, fatally injuring Svetomira, who was a passenger in the other car.
The impact of the crash was so severe that emergency services had to extract the victims from the wreckage. Svetomira was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the other car and another passenger sustained serious injuries but have since recovered.
Kurdchiev initially attempted to evade responsibility by fleeing the scene but was later apprehended by police. Toxicological tests confirmed the presence of drugs in his system at the time of the crash.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Kurdchiev’s reckless and irresponsible behavior had led to the untimely death of an innocent young woman and severe injuries to others. They called for the maximum punishment allowed by law.
In its ruling, the court acknowledged the gravity of Kurdchiev’s actions and the harm caused to the victim’s family. The court also noted that the sentence serves as a deterrent to others who might contemplate driving under the influence.
The court’s decision was subsequently upheld by the Varna Court of Appeals, ensuring that justice has been served in this tragic case.
The family of Svetomira has expressed some satisfaction with the verdict but emphasized that nothing could bring their beloved daughter back. They have called on the authorities to_steps up efforts to combat drunken and drug-impaired driving, which they view as a serious threat to public safety.
Bulgarian authorities have since pledged to strengthen enforcement and education campaigns aimed at reducing the number of such incidents on Bulgarian roads.
