Bulgaria's Petrohan Mystery: Six Deaths Baffle Investigators

Mysterious Mountain Deaths Leave Bulgaria Searching for Answers

Bulgarian authorities are investigating what they're calling the 'Petrohan mystery' - the unexplained deaths of six people found in the western mountains under circumstances that have left the entire country bewildered. The case involves two separate but potentially connected incidents that occurred in early February 2026, with investigators considering both murder-suicide and group suicide scenarios.

The Discovery and Timeline

On February 8, 2026, police discovered three bodies in a camper near Mount Okolchitsa in western Bulgaria. Among the deceased was a 15-year-old boy. This discovery came exactly one week after another triple death at a mountain hut near the Petrohan Pass, approximately two hours' drive away. That hut was later burned down, adding another layer of mystery to the already perplexing case.

'Such a case has never occurred in our country before,' the chief commissioner stated during a press conference, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the investigation.

Surveillance Footage Reveals Final Moments

Security camera footage from February 1, the day of the initial deaths, shows the six individuals saying goodbye to each other outside the mountain hut. The footage then captures three of them remaining behind and setting the hut on fire. This chilling video has become central to the investigation, providing rare insight into the victims' final moments.

Near the three bodies at the mountain hut, investigators found four shell casings, two pistols, and a hunting rifle, according to Bulgarian National Television. Forensic experts determined that the shots were fired from extremely close range.

Forensic Evidence and Investigation Scenarios

All three victims at the mountain hut had gunshot wounds to the head, with one man being shot twice. Crucially, all wounds were located in areas where the victims could have reached with their own hands, suggesting the possibility of self-inflicted injuries.

'For both investigations, the main scenarios we're working with are murder-suicide and suicide,' explained the chief prosecutor, indicating that authorities haven't ruled out either possibility.

The Victims and Their Background

Five of the six deceased were members of a non-governmental organization focused on nature conservation. They had been living in the mountain hut, according to police statements. The 15-year-old boy was the son of a friend of the group.

Investigators revealed that the NGO members were involved with Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist books and banners were found inside the hut, and a family member reportedly told authorities about 'enormous psychological instability' within the group.

The Petrohan Pass where the initial incident occurred is a significant mountain pass in Bulgaria's Balkan Mountains, standing at 1,444 meters (4,738 feet) elevation. It serves as a crucial transportation route connecting Sofia and northwestern Bulgaria, forming part of Pan-European Corridor IV according to Wikipedia.

Ongoing Investigation and National Impact

The case has captivated Bulgaria, with media outlets extensively covering what they've dubbed 'the Petrohan mystery.' Authorities continue to examine all evidence while the public grapples with understanding what could have led to such a tragic outcome in the remote mountain region.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the connection between the two locations, the psychological state of the victims, and what exactly transpired during those fateful days in early February. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the complex interplay between mental health, group dynamics, and isolated environments.

Sources

NOS Article, Kort News, Bulgarian National Television, Wikipedia Petrohan Pass