The Council for Electronic Media (CEM), Bulgaria's media regulator, has started a special review of how the media cover the crashes on the Trakia motorway. It asked outlets not to chase sensation and to follow the Ethical Code of Bulgarian Media.
Two pile-ups closed the motorway near the Zimnitsa junction in Yambol region this morning. First reports say about 50 cars and lorries were caught up in them. Prime minister Rumen Radev first said in Varna that 11 people had died and 48 were injured. Later, at a briefing, he said 12 had died and more than 50 were injured.
Earlier on this story: 12 dead and more than 50 hurt in pile-ups on Trakia motorway
CEM expressed sympathy for the victims, the injured and their families. It urged the media to respect the memory of the dead and to spare the injured and their families, who are emotionally vulnerable.
"Professionalism is measured not by sensational headlines, footage and eyewitness accounts, but by a clear and adequate assessment of the situation," the council said in its statement. It said sympathy should also show in the questions and comments about the crash.
Broadcasters going live from the scene must weigh the effect of footage and eyewitness stories that go straight on air, the council said. It said these leave a strong emotional impression on the audience.
The Council of Ministers will declare tomorrow, 11 November, a day of mourning.