Accident paralyses Croatian highway: Columns of vehicles have traveled tens of kilometers

A major traffic accident has caused severe congestion on Croatia’s A1 motorway, disrupting travel for thousands of drivers. The incident occurred between the Otočac and Perušić exits, near the direction of Dalmacia, on August 22, 2026, around 19:04 local time. A heavy goods vehicle overturned across two lanes, leading to a complete stoppage of traffic heading south. Drivers heading towards Zagreb were forced to use only one lane, significantly slowing their progress. The collision resulted in no injuries, according to police reports. However, the disruption was extensive, with some of the longest traffic jams recorded on the motorway. In the direction of Zagreb, the queue stretched for over 33 kilometers at its peak, while in the direction of Dubrovnik, it reached 16 kilometers. To mitigate the impact, authorities redirected traffic onto national roads between Otočac and Perušić. They also closed the Grič tunnel in advance to prevent further bottlenecks. After completing their investigation and removing the overturned truck, road workers reopened the motorway to all traffic. Despite this, congestion remained high. Drivers heading toward Zagreb still faced a 21-kilometer-long tailback, while near the Otočac exit heading south, the delay measured approximately five kilometers. Many motorists spent several hours stuck in these long queues, with some reporting extreme frustration over the conditions. Several drivers described the situation as chaotic, noting the lack of police presence and reckless behavior by some motorists. Some foreign drivers reportedly used emergency lanes to overtake, endangering the safety of others. One witness captured footage of a driver using the emergency lane to pass another vehicle, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation. The accident did not affect only the A1 motorway. Traffic disruptions were also reported on other highways throughout Croatia. On the A7 motorway between Rupo and Šmriko, increased traffic density led to the formation of long queues. Similarly, congestion was noted on the Istrian motorway and near the Učka tunnel. Travelers approaching the island of Krk encountered delays stretching from Omis to the mainland. Problems were also observed on the A3 motorway near the Lučko toll station and along the Adriatic motorway, where traffic moved slowly with occasional complete standstills in coastal towns. Authorities have since taken steps to manage the ongoing issues, including monitoring traffic flow and ensuring that emergency services remain available. However, the incident underscores the vulnerability of Croatia’s transportation network during large-scale accidents. As the situation continues to evolve, officials will likely assess the need for additional measures to improve response times and prevent future disruptions. For now, drivers are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes when traveling through the region.