HAK on the chaos on the A1 due to the overturned truck: 'Normalization in progress, but new gridlock is coming'

A major traffic disruption unfolded on Croatia’s A1 motorway on Saturday after a truck carrying firewood overturned, causing near-complete gridlock between the Otočac and Perušić junctions in the direction of Dubrovnik. The incident led to nearly five hours of halted traffic, with congestion stretching up to 33 kilometers in one direction and 16 kilometers in the other. Drivers heading toward Dubrovnik were trapped in a long queue, while those traveling toward Zagreb faced significantly reduced mobility, using just one lane of traffic. Emergency services worked swiftly to clear the scene, gradually restoring normal conditions. The accident occurred during the weekend, a peak time for travel due to the tourist season. As a result, traffic was already heavier than usual, contributing to the formation of long queues. According to HAK, the Croatian Motorway Agency, the situation has begun to stabilize, with traffic now flowing freely along the section between Otočac and Perušić in both directions. However, movement through the tunnel near Brezik remains restricted to one lane, as the area continues to experience delays. Officials warned that further bottlenecks could occur throughout the day, especially given the increased volume of vehicles moving towards the coast and inland. HAK's duty officer, Andrej Prosolij, explained that the agency is always prepared for the challenges of the tourist season. He noted that such incidents are common, often leading to large-scale disruptions for both travelers heading to the coast and those returning from it. He emphasized the importance of being cautious, patient, and well-informed before embarking on a journey, particularly during periods of heightened traffic. He also urged drivers to carry sufficient supplies, including water and food, to account for potential delays. Efforts to restore traffic flow included the deployment of emergency services, which cleared the site once the heavy vehicle had been removed enough to allow one-way traffic. A hotline, number 112, was activated to provide assistance to stranded motorists, with emergency lanes opened for ambulances and police vehicles. Despite these measures, many drivers remained stuck in the long queues, with some reporting difficulty accessing basic necessities like water, especially for families with young children. While the immediate crisis appears to have passed, officials acknowledged that the effects of the incident will likely persist into the afternoon. With the holiday season in full swing, the road network remains under pressure, and similar situations are expected to arise in the coming days. The incident highlights the vulnerability of key routes during high-traffic periods and underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness among both authorities and drivers. For now, the focus remains on maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow as conditions continue to evolve.