At a construction site in Medvode: Two workers were hit by a truck and swept away by the river

Two workers were swept away by the river after being hit by falling cargo during a construction site incident in Medvode, Slovenia. The accident occurred at the construction site of a new bridge over the Sora River in the town’s centre. According to reports, the workers were caught off guard by sudden instability in the crane, causing the load to swing uncontrollably and knock them into the river. Fortunately, the incident was classified as a drill organized by fire services, though the circumstances appeared alarming. The emergency response involved 28 firefighters and rescue personnel operating with five vehicles from the Preska-Medvode Fire Department (PGD Preska - Medvode) and the CZ Medvode unit. Upon arrival, the teams split into two sectors to manage the situation. One team focused on rescuing the injured worker from the crane cabin, using rope techniques to lower the person to safety before handing them over to rescue crews. The other team initiated a search and recovery operation along the riverbank. Initial efforts concentrated on locating the first victim near the construction site, while the second individual had been carried downstream by the current. To enhance their search capabilities, authorities activated a drone from the Civil Protection Service, which scanned the river from above. The drone proved instrumental in identifying the second victim, who was eventually recovered and transferred to the rescue teams. Firefighters described the operation as highly coordinated, emphasizing the swift deployment of resources and the effectiveness of the multi-pronged approach. They noted that the presence of both land-based and aerial assets significantly improved the chances of successful retrieval. “We immediately responded to the scene and divided our efforts to ensure both victims received timely assistance,” one firefighter stated in a social media post. The incident has sparked discussions among local officials and safety experts regarding the adequacy of safety protocols at construction sites near water bodies. While the drill was intended to simulate real-world conditions, the proximity of the worksite to the Sora River raised questions about risk management practices. Local authorities have confirmed that all necessary procedures were followed, including the activation of emergency protocols and the involvement of specialized rescue units. Authorities are currently reviewing the incident to determine whether additional measures should be implemented to prevent similar occurrences. This includes evaluating the stability of cranes and the implementation of more rigorous safety checks during high-risk operations. The incident underscores the importance of preparedness in environments where human error or mechanical failure could lead to severe consequences. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of workers and the public in such settings.