Chaos on the A1 towards Zagreb, police closed the road and prevented a mass confrontation between Torcida and Armada

A major traffic disruption occurred on the A1 motorway heading towards Zagreb, with police closing the road and preventing a potential large-scale clash between fans of two football clubs, Torcida and Armada. The incident unfolded around midday, prompting widespread reports from local media and eyewitness accounts. According to multiple sources, the situation escalated rapidly, leading to a complete standstill near the Draganić rest area, just beyond the Karlovac junction. The conflict was reportedly planned by supporters of both teams, who were set to meet at the Draganić service station following matches by Hajduk Split and Rijeka. However, the police intervened swiftly, deploying patrol cars and even a helicopter to secure the area. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with fans gathering along the roadside while authorities worked to de-escalate tensions. Despite efforts to clear the route, congestion persisted, stretching from Draganić to the Drežnik bridge behind Karlovac, according to real-time data from Google Traffic. At one point, the Hrvatski Autoklub reported that the road remained closed between the Draganić rest area and the Novigrad interchange, though some users claimed the highway had been reopened. Meanwhile, the HAK monitoring system showed vehicles moving in a slow column between Bosiljevo 2 and Jastrebarsko, with periodic delays. Footage shared by the Hooligans.cz website revealed the confrontation, showing approximately 150 members of each group present at the site. These images, captured by onlookers, provided a glimpse into the tense atmosphere before the intervention. Local police confirmed that there was no accident involved, and the blockage was due to fan activity rather than mechanical failure. They stated they would release further details on the reasons for the delay. As of now, no information has been released regarding arrests or injuries. The presence of law enforcement, including helicopters, underscored the seriousness of the situation and the measures taken to prevent escalation. The matches in question, Hajduk playing in Varaždin and Rijeka hosting in Velika Gorica, were scheduled for later in the day, adding urgency to the situation. Fans of both teams had gathered in anticipation of the game, but the planned meeting turned into a volatile encounter. The police’s prompt response appears to have averted a larger confrontation, though the exact number of participants and their identities remain unclear. As of late afternoon, the situation continued to evolve, with ongoing reports of traffic congestion and limited movement along the A1. While some sections of the road were reportedly cleared, others remained affected, highlighting the scale of the disruption. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in managing such gatherings, particularly during high-profile sporting events. With more details expected from the police, the focus remains on assessing the extent of the impact and ensuring public safety moving forward.