site.btaDriver Who Caused Car Race Crash in Varna Tests Positive for Amphetamines

The field test of the driver who caused a crash during the Aladzha Monastery hill climb car race in Varna earlier in the day has come back positive for amphetamines, Chief Commissioner Petko Kamburov, head of the Traffic Police in the Black Sea city, said at a news conference. He noted that the driver voluntarily underwent alcohol and drug testing. The alcohol test was negative. Blood samples are currently being analyzed at the Military Medical Academy.

Kamburov added that examinations will be carried out as part of the pre-trial proceedings to determine the causes of the incident. The driver has been detained for 24 hours.

Commissioner Dimitar Lukov, head of the Security Police in Varna, said that the Varna Regional Police Directorate was not responsible for ensuring the safety of the race itself. Its role was limited to stopping civilian traffic from entering the race route.

He added that a police officer was stationed near the crash site, as there was an unpaved road in the area, and his task was to prevent vehicles from entering the road used by the car racers.

The police in Varna reported that one spectator was killed and eight were injured in the incident. A 60-year-old man from the audience died after the driver lost control on a turn and broke through the guardrail. A 27-year-old woman is in intensive care in critical condition.