Ana-Maria Babau, Bulgaria’s representative in Miss Universe 2026, will not compete in this year’s edition, to be held in Puerto Rico, after a car crash left her physically unable to take part, the Miss Universe Bulgaria Organization confirmed on Saturday in a statement. The organization expressed regret over the situation of the 27-year-old beauty queen, who was born in Sofia, the capital of the European country.
Babau had spent months preparing to represent Bulgaria at the international pageant, but the injuries from the crash will keep her from traveling to the island and taking the competition stage. The organization gave no details on the circumstances of the collision or the nature of the injuries. It said it will focus its efforts on supporting the contestant’s recovery and asked for respect for her privacy and that of her family during the process, and it said Babau will continue to be recognized as Miss Universe Bulgaria 2026 even though she cannot compete internationally.
Her withdrawal became known the same day it emerged that Miss Dominican Republic 2026, Melissa Núñez, and the director of the national pageant, Magali Febles, were also involved in a traffic accident in Santo Domingo. According to the Dominican newspaper Diario Libre, the vehicle carrying both women overturned on Friday on Núñez de Cáceres Avenue in the El Millón sector.
The circumstances that caused the crash have not been clarified. Núñez suffered superficial lacerations on her right forearm and wrist, while Febles had discomfort in her head and right side; both were taken to a medical center. The Dominican contestant’s team later said both are in stable condition, but Núñez’s arrival in Puerto Rico, scheduled for Sunday, will depend on her recovery and health.
The Dominican organization has not confirmed whether the crash will affect Núñez’s participation in Miss Universe 2026.