Rockfall blocks road to Okolchitsa peak

Bulgarian officials have launched emergency stabilization work along the access route to Okolchitsa Peak after a massive boulder exceeding 50 tons plummeted onto the roadway from approximately 50 meters above. The impact created a crater measuring up to 60 centimeters deep and sent debris cascading toward lower sections of the mountainside. Chelopek village mayor Tihomir Toshev reported that residents heard explosive sounds as the rockfall occurred, prompting immediate investigation and discovery of extensive damage to the serpentine mountain road constructed during the 1960s through controlled blasting.

Regional Road Administration crews from Vratsa responded rapidly to clear smaller debris and establish temporary passage for stranded travelers, including one person descending from the peak when the collapse happened. The route carries particular significance as thousands gather at the historic summit each June for national commemorations, making restoration critical for maintaining access to the landmark destination in the Vratsa Balkan range.