Balkan neighbors mourn victims of bus fire in Bulgaria
ABC News
Bulgaria and North Macedonia have begun periods of national mourning in honor of the victims of a bus crash that killed 45 people and injured six others
SOFIA, Bulgaria -- Bulgaria and North Macedonia began periods of national mourning on Wednesday, a day after a bus traveling through Bulgaria carrying tourists to neighboring North Macedonia crashed and caught fire, killing 45 people.
The bus with 52 people on board was one in a convoy of buses returning from a trip to Turkey. Though the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, the bus apparently ripped through a guardrail on a highway, quickly engulfed in flames and burned out completely. A dozen children were among the dead.
Bulgaria was holding a day of national mourning Wednesday while North Macedonia began a three-day period. National flags of all state institutions were being flown at half mast while entertainment events were cancelled.
Pope Francis also sent a telegram of condolences conveying his prayers, especially for the families of the youngest victims.