Bulgarian Driver Kills 5 in Hellish Accident in US

A Bulgarian-born rig driver caused a nightmare on interstate I-26 in North Carolina killing 5 and creating a huge, hours-long traffic jam. Photo by WISTV

Bulgarian native, Roumen Todorov Velkov, 48, has caused a hellish traffic incident on interstate I-26 in North Carolina, near Fletcher, Sunday evening.

The news was reported by the local TV channel WISTV.

The pileup happened around 11:00 p.m. Velkov, who was driving a rig, failed to stop and slammed into a line of vehicles, killing five people.

Troopers said at least another five were still hospitalized with injuries from the wreck, including one person listed in critical condition. Witnesses say Velkov did not even attempt to stop. According to the police, he did not drive faster than 60 miles per hour and the road was dry.

The Bulgarian is charged with five counts of felony and his bail has been set at USD 230 000. He is being held in the Henderson County Detention Center. His attorney said his client was "devastated."

Velkov arrived with his wife in the US 10 years ago. He worked for a small Illinois trucking company Globe Carrier Co., which, according to WISTV, had been cited a dozen times this year for violations, including two speeding infractions.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records show that Globe Carrier Co. of Justice, Ill., was also cited for improper lighting, brakes and other maintenance violations. Records list the company as having just one rig and two drivers.

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