Sofia: Tram Derails; Man Has Criminal Record and Was Drinking

Tram derailed in Sofia: Man with alcohol and criminal past

The Sofia Metropolitan Police and prosecutor's office have pressed charges against a 22-year-old man with a criminal past, who is alleged to have caused the derailment of a tram in the capital yesterday. The incident, which caused turmoil and serious damage, happened after the man, according to investigators, activated the tram through a side window while under the influence of alcohol.

The police investigation reveals that at the time of the incident, the tram driver had left the vehicle to buy coffee. Taking advantage of his absence and the open window, the 22-year-old managed to reach the tram's operating mechanism. According to the words of Chief Commissioner Lyubomir Nikolov, director of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs, it was a "lever that is located about a meter and 50 from the ground".

Criminally charged and with full confessions

The unraveling of the case began with the arrest of a 29-year-old man, who is known to the authorities of the First Regional Directorate. He confessed to his involvement in the act, presenting a chat that proves the guilt of his 22-year-old friend. The perpetrator himself made a full confession and was detained for 72 hours, with the prosecutor's office expected to insist on a permanent arrest.

The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the perpetrator has a criminal past. Prosecutor Vihar Georgiev revealed that "the act was committed during the probationary period of a previous act from April of this year" and that the man had been convicted of theft. The damages caused to the tram are classified as damaging railway rolling stock, for which the law provides a prison sentence of 5 to 15 years.

Disciplinary action for the tram driver

Although the tram driver will not be charged, he has been temporarily suspended from work while an internal investigation is ongoing. The reason is that he left the cabin without securing the tram according to all rules. In a statement by the Sofia electric transport company, engineer Milen Minyov said that administrative measures would be taken. "We will clarify whether there is guilt", he pointed out, "but the punishment will be either a warning for dismissal or dismissal for not sufficiently securing the tram against self-starting or external interference".

Damages - a matter of insurance and recourse

As for the financial side of the incident, the damages to the underpass are being assessed, and repair work has already begun, with the area cordoned off. The mayor of the "Sredets" district, Traycho Traykov, specified that the damages will be initially covered by the municipality's emergency fund, and subsequently by the "Civil Liability" insurance of "Stolichen Avtotransport".

In the end, the damages must be covered by the culprit.

He explained that after the investigation is concluded and the direct perpetrator is identified, there will be "recourse against them". When the investigation is concluded, the direct perpetrator will be identified, there will be recourse against them.