Chaos on A3: The column is as long as 15 kilometers

A traffic jam stretching up to 15 kilometers formed on Thursday afternoon along the A3 motorway near Popovač following a collision, according to Croatian Automobile Club (HAC) reports. The incident caused severe congestion on the section of the highway between Bregana and Lipovac, with vehicles moving slowly and some parts of the road experiencing complete standstills. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where a car had ended up in a ditch alongside the road. Firefighters from the Popovač DVD unit were involved in rescuing passengers, and two individuals sustained injuries requiring medical attention. The accident occurred during peak travel hours, prompting local authorities to advise drivers heading east to exercise caution and consider alternative routes to avoid prolonged delays. Traffic disruptions are expected to continue into the evening as emergency crews work to clear the wreckage and restore normal flow. Drivers have been urged to monitor updates and adjust their travel plans accordingly. The incident took place around midday on Thursday, with initial reports indicating that the vehicle involved had veered off the road and landed in a nearby ditch. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, working to extract the injured and secure the area. According to HAC, the situation led to a massive backlog of vehicles stretching over 15 kilometers, significantly impacting regional transportation networks. Local police confirmed that the accident was being investigated to determine the cause and whether any violations contributed to the crash. Residents and travelers in the region expressed frustration over the disruption, with many reporting long waits and detours affecting their schedules. Some drivers opted for less-traveled roads to bypass the congestion, while others remained stuck in the queue for several hours. Authorities have warned that further slowdowns could occur as cleanup operations proceed through the night. The A3 motorway is a critical link in Croatia’s transport infrastructure, connecting major cities and facilitating both commercial and personal travel. Incidents such as this one highlight the vulnerability of key highways to accidents that can quickly lead to widespread gridlock. In recent months, similar disruptions have been reported on other sections of the country's motorway network, raising concerns about safety and maintenance practices. Emergency services emphasized the importance of driver vigilance and adherence to speed limits, particularly in areas prone to sudden obstacles or poor visibility. They also noted that weather conditions at the time of the accident did not appear to play a direct role in the collision. Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the crash and to prevent future occurrences. As the cleanup continues, officials anticipate that the affected stretch of the A3 will remain partially closed until late evening. Alternative routes have been marked for drivers, though they are expected to experience increased traffic as well. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with high-speed driving and the need for continued improvements in road safety measures.