- According to another witness, Petar Todorov claimed to the traffic police that he tried to pass faster in front of the child
Seven witnesses will be questioned in the case of the death of 15-year-old Philip, who was run over on a footpath on the capital’s Gurko Street last September. The defendant is 37-year-old Petar Todorov, who is accused of causing death with possible intent. According to the experts, the man was driving at 88 km/h and with more than 2 percent of alcohol in his blood.
One of those questioned at today’s meeting was Stefan Kemilev. He said that on the fateful day he was sitting in front of a restaurant with a friend on ul. ”Shishman”. Philip was walking briskly along the footpath. He walked facing Kemilev.
“We saw a car that hit him, swept him away at a very high speed – he remembered. – My friend stayed with the boy, and I chased the car. When I got to it, I saw that there was a woman with a child there, the driver was returning to the scene of the accident. He got away with it. I also came back. People had already gathered around the stricken boy. There was a woman crouching next to him, who said that he was a medical person and he shouldn’t we’re touching, let’s wait for an ambulance. There was a hell of a lot of blood on his head.”
Kemilev also photographed the car that hit Philip. He describes the driver Petar Todorov as “quite stressed”. According to him, there was a comment from Todorov in front of the traffic police that he tried to pass faster in front of the child.
Another person questioned at today’s meeting was Chavdar Blazhev. He remembered walking along St. “Shishman” when he heard a speeding car on his right that “sniffed”. She flashed the boy crossing the crosswalk.
“The body flew, literally dragged along the railing and fell on the sidewalk,” explained Blazhev.
Then he went to Philip, where the people had gathered. He described the sight as “scandalous”. According to Chavdar, the driver Peter returned to the place “accompanied” by people.
“I wouldn’t say that they were leading him,” the witness clarified, and added that Todorov “slowed down”: “I didn’t see a person, I didn’t see a person.”
Chavdar was with his girlfriend at the scene. She also told the court her memories of the fateful day. He explained that the car that hit Philip continued on the road. She didn’t see where he stopped.
“Two girls who were in the establishment went to the boy’s body and introduced themselves as medical personnel - added the woman. – They advised us not to touch the body.”
The witness Nikolay Boshnakov said that Philip was “immobilized” after the impact.
“There were people around the boy, we sat straight, we heard that you shouldn’t touch the body,” he added. .There was no traffic. A man came from the direction of “Rakovski”, I remember a policeman talking to this man, maybe 10 minutes later. he was sampled with a dragger on the street.”
According to the witness, the driver first spoke on the phone, then with the policeman.
How can communities enhance pedestrian safety and support victims in the aftermath of traffic accidents?
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re discussing a tragic incident that led to the death of a 15-year-old boy, Philip, last September. Joining us is Dr. Elena Radoslav, an expert in traffic safety and behavioral psychology. Dr. Radoslav, thank you for being here.
Dr. Radoslav: Thank you for having me. It’s important to discuss these events and the implications they have on road safety.
Editor: Absolutely. We learned from the recent hearings that Petar Todorov, the driver accused in this case, allegedly tried to speed past Philip just before the accident. Can you help us understand the psychological factors that might motivate a driver to act recklessly in such scenarios?
Dr. Radoslav: Certainly. One factor could be what’s known as “time urgency,” where a driver feels an overwhelming need to reach their destination quickly. Combined with impaired judgment due to alcohol consumption—Todorov reportedly had over 2 percent of alcohol in his blood—this can lead to dangerous driving decisions. The instant a driver feels pressed for time, they may underestimate the risks and overestimate their control over the situation.
Editor: That makes sense. Witnesses described the speed of the car as exceedingly high, with estimates around 88 km/h. In your experience, how does speed correlate with pedestrian safety, especially in urban areas?
Dr. Radoslav: Speed plays a critical role in pedestrian safety. At higher speeds, the likelihood of severe injury or fatality increases significantly. Research shows that a pedestrian hit at 30 km/h has a much higher chance of survival than one hit at 50 km/h. Streets like Gurko, being in a central area with foot traffic, demand more caution from drivers. High speed, combined with a lack of attention and alcohol, creates a deadly cocktail.
Editor: One of the witnesses, Stefan Kemilev, described a chaotic scene right after the accident, including blood and a medical professional advising not to move Philip. How vital is the role of bystanders in emergency situations like this?
Dr. Radoslav: Bystanders can play a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Their actions can impact the victim’s chances of survival. It’s critical that individuals call for emergency services promptly and follow the guidance of trained professionals on site. However, it’s also essential that they do not risk causing further harm by attempting to move the person unless in immediate danger.
Editor: Following the hearing, the emotional toll on the witnesses cannot be understated. In light of this incident, what measures can communities take to improve safety and support those affected by such tragedies?
Dr. Radoslav: Communities can implement several measures. First, increasing awareness about responsible driving and the dangers of alcohol consumption is vital. Schools and local groups can facilitate workshops. Secondly, improving infrastructure—like better crosswalks, clearer signage, and speed bumps—can decrease speed and enhance pedestrian safety. providing mental health support for witnesses and victims’ families is paramount, as these incidents often leave deep emotional scars.
Editor: Those are valuable insights, Dr. Radoslav. It’s crucial that we not only seek justice for victims but also work towards preventing such tragedies in the future. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Radoslav: Thank you for bringing attention to this important topic. Through awareness and community action, we can strive to ensure safer environments for everyone.
Editor: And that wraps up our interview. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news. Let’s continue to advocate for safer streets for all.