A serious bus collision occurred in Croatia, involving a group of Catholic pilgrims. The information comes from a report by RIA Novosti, citing Croatia’s main national broadcaster as the source. The incident drew immediate attention from local authorities and emergency responders who were already on the scene following a report from Croatian television networks.
The crash happened early in the morning, around 5:40 am local time, which is 6:40 in the Moscow time zone. The collision took place on a highway heading toward the capital city, Zagreb, in a section between two villages within the Varazdin County known as Jarek-Bisashki and Podgorec. Reports initially indicated a bus registered with Polish plates veered off the road and crashed, prompting a swift response from police and rescue teams. The early information from national broadcasters suggested that the accident could involve multiple casualties and a significant number of injuries, underscoring the severity of the event.
As the situation unfolded, authorities confirmed that 11 people died at the scene of the crash, and a further victim succumbed to injuries after being transported to a hospital. In addition to the fatalities, 33 individuals were hospitalized for their injuries, illustrating the scale of the incident and the urgent medical needs of the survivors. The news updates highlighted the high number of people affected, which included both local residents and foreign nationals traveling together for the pilgrimage.
Investigators from Croatia’s Interior Ministry indicated that the bus was registered in Poland. The passengers were described as Catholic pilgrims traveling toward Medjugorje, a well-known religious site in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where many visitors embark on spiritual journeys from various European countries. Police and other emergency agencies were deployed to the scene to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, gather witness statements, inspect the vehicle, and determine potential contributing factors such as road conditions, driving behavior, weather, and any mechanical issues that could have played a role.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities emphasized the importance of road safety for organized religious journeys. They noted that buses carrying groups for pilgrimages are subject to the same safety standards as commercial passenger transport, with routine checks on drivers’ hours, vehicle maintenance, and route planning. Local officials called for patience as investigators collect data, interview drivers and passengers, and compile a comprehensive report that will inform future safety measures and potential improvements to travel arrangements for similar pilgrimages. The broader community expressed condolences for the victims and support for the families affected by the loss. Reports from the Croatian police and health services continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, with official statements offering preliminary details while ensuring accurate information is shared with the public. (Source: RIA Novosti via HRT)