Tragedy near Plitvice: Car suspended over burglary, two children taken to hospital by helicopter

A severe traffic accident occurred near the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia on Friday, involving a car carrying five Danish citizens who plunged off the road and hung precariously over a ravine. According to the Lika-Senj Police Department, the incident took place on the road heading towards Poljanka. Emergency services including firefighters, police, emergency medical teams, and members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) were dispatched to the scene. The vehicle was extracted around 12:15 PM, after which two children were airlifted by helicopter to the Rijeka University Hospital. The car contained five individuals, two parents and three children. According to police information, the children were not in life-threatening condition. A statement from the Rijeka University Hospital indicated that a 12-year-old girl had been brought to the hospital with minor physical injuries and was not in immediate danger. Initial treatment has been administered, and she will remain under observation to determine her further condition. Firefighters from Korenica arrived first at the scene and prevented the vehicle from falling down the cliff. The car had fallen off the road and stopped at the top of the cliff, posing a risk of plunging into the Koranu ravine. They stabilized the vehicle to prevent further tragedy before rescuing three children and one adult. Subsequently, members of the HGSS arrived and helped rescue another adult. During the operation, one firefighter sustained minor injuries but continued working after a medical checkup. All rescued individuals were transported to the hospital via helicopter. Vlado Marković, commander of the Public Fire Brigade Station at Plitvice Lakes in Korenica, praised police officer Renata Sertić, who was not on duty but happened to be nearby. He immediately rushed to assist the emergency responders and remained helping throughout the operation. The exact circumstances surrounding the accident will become known following the police investigation. The incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency services in mountainous regions, where access can be limited and conditions hazardous. The successful rescue efforts underscore the coordination among different emergency units. Emergency responders emphasized the importance of quick action in such situations. The involvement of multiple agencies demonstrates the complexity of operations in remote areas. The accident has raised questions about road safety in the region. Authorities have yet to release details regarding the cause of the crash. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention. Their conditions are being monitored closely. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with driving in challenging terrain. Emergency services continue their work to ensure public safety.