In one of the worst fires in Croatia's history, a 34-year-old woman has died, 40 people have been hospitalized, and tourists are fleeing in pedal boats and dinghies.

In Croatia, one of the worst wildfires in the country's history has left at least one person dead and more than 40 injured, with many still recovering in hospitals. The blaze, which raged through the night, destroyed hundreds of hectares of forest and damaged several homes near the southern coast of Split. Emergency services worked tirelessly to contain the fire, while thousands of tourists fled the area using boats and small motorized vessels after roads became impassable due to flames and smoke. The fire began in the settlement of Lokva Rogoznica and quickly spread across surrounding hills, eventually reaching the coastal town of Omiš. Authorities have described the incident as among the most severe in Croatia’s history. A woman in her early thirties lost her life during the disaster, and at least 40 individuals were hospitalized, some suffering serious burns. Of these, seven remain in critical condition, requiring immediate medical attention. Several firefighters were also injured while attempting to protect residential areas from the rapidly spreading flames fueled by strong winds. Residents and visitors alike faced chaos as the fire engulfed the landscape, leaving behind a desolate scene of charred vehicles and smoldering ruins. Images captured the aftermath, showing a nearly apocalyptic environment with homes and cars reduced to ashes. The head of Croatia’s firefighting service, Slavko Tucakovic, confirmed that multiple firefighters sustained injuries during their efforts to combat the inferno. Over a thousand people, largely foreign tourists, sought refuge in a sports hall in Omiš, where they remained under emergency shelter until conditions improved. During the crisis, panic gripped the local population as evacuation routes were blocked by fire and thick smoke. Many tourists attempted to escape toward the sea, climbing rocks or boarding small boats and motorboats. Rescue teams from maritime authorities intervened to assist those fleeing by water, safely transporting over 194 people to the port of Omiš before securing them in safe locations. These operations proved particularly challenging in coastal regions directly threatened by the fire. Investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing, with officials considering the possibility that the fire was deliberately set. While no conclusive evidence has been presented yet, the circumstances surrounding the outbreak have raised concerns about potential criminal activity. Firefighters and local residents continue to work together to assess the damage and begin the long process of recovery. The region, known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions, faces a difficult road ahead as communities rebuild and authorities determine the full extent of the tragedy.