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The shocking story of a mother from Omiš who fled with her children from a fire that had blocked all roads
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter8/16/2026

The shocking story of a mother from Omiš who fled with her children from a fire that had blocked all roads

A mother from Stanićev pri Omišu, Dubravka Marunčić, recounts her harrowing experience during a fire that engulfed the area. With her two young children and a seven-year-old nephew, she was trapped between flames, burning cars, and panicked people searching for safety. Initially unaware of how quickly the fire would reach their home, she fled with her children after her four-year-old daughter spotted glowing trees through the window. The escape route became dangerous as cars burned along the road, traffic stopped, and sparks flew through the air. In a moment of despair, she realized their only option was to head toward the sea. Upon reaching the shore, they faced further danger as the fire spread to pine trees and people hid in the dark near the water. Dubravka held her two-year-old son while using seawater to cool her older children’s heads, as they struggled to breathe amid the smoke. Eventually, a boat operated by local resident Milan Balić rescued them, ensuring all who could be saved were brought to safety. Dubravka and her children reached Omiš safely, though her two-year-old son suffered eye irritation from the smoke.

The fire that engulfed the area around Omiš late on Thursday night turned into one of the most harrowing experiences for residents and tourists alike. Among those who narrowly escaped was Dubravka Marunčić, a mother from Stanićev near Omiš, who fled with her two young children and her seven-year-old nephew. She described the terrifying moments as she watched flames devour nearby vehicles and buildings, with smoke filling the air and panic gripping the crowd. “I really thought it was over,” she told Slovenske novice, recalling how she initially believed their home would remain untouched by the inferno. The fire spread rapidly along the Adriatic motorway due to strong winds, turning what had seemed like a manageable situation into a life-threatening crisis within minutes. Dubravka’s four-year-old daughter spotted burning trees through the window, and before long, flames were visible just outside their house. With little time to act, Dubravka quickly gathered her children and the nephew and drove toward Omiš, hoping to find safety. However, the road ahead was anything but safe. As they approached the coast, the scene was chaotic, cars were already ablaze, people were scrambling for escape routes, and sparks were flying through the air. Traffic came to a standstill, leaving them stranded with no clear path forward. “I was convinced I could somehow resolve this situation,” Dubravka recalled. “In my life, I’ve solved everything, so I thought I could solve this too. But when I realized we were trapped and couldn’t move forward anymore, I became hysterical. I started screaming that we would burn. I wasn’t panicking without reason. At that moment, I really thought there was no exit. In reality, you don’t know whether you’ll survive or die. That was the most terrifying part.” Despite the danger, Dubravka pressed on, eventually reaching the beach where hundreds of others had taken refuge. The sea, however, was far from calm. Trees were still burning, and the sky was filled with embers. Children cried as they struggled to breathe, and Dubravka held her two-year-old son close while helping the older children with seawater. She witnessed people injured and burned, some climbing down cliffs and caves, others falling and sustaining serious injuries. Just as hope seemed lost, a boat arrived from the sea, piloted by local resident Milan Balić. Known among locals as a hero, he had been preparing for such an emergency. “I didn’t want to leave until everyone was safely onboard,” he later told RTL Danas. He took charge of rescuing dozens of people, including Dubravka and her family, ensuring they reached safety. His efforts saved many lives, though not without risk. One of his smaller boats overturned during the rescue, sending all aboard into the water. Fortunately, military personnel and specialized police units were already present to assist. Dubravka and her children were finally able to return to Omiš, alive and unharmed. Though the two-year-old suffered from irritated eyes due to the smoke, Dubravka expressed relief that all members of her extended family were safe. The experience left deep scars, but the community’s resilience shone through. Meanwhile, another tragedy unfolded elsewhere. On Wednesday morning, a ferry traveling from Padangbai to Lembar in Lombok caught fire mid-journey. Over 170 people were rescued from the water, though one person died. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and concerns have been raised about overcrowding on the vessel. This incident follows a similar disaster earlier in the month involving another Indonesian ferry off the island of Madura, where five people perished. Across the region, authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the fires, which have destroyed over 100 vehicles, 28 homes, and several commercial properties. Many areas still lack electricity, and the psychological impact on survivors remains profound. In Croatia, where wildfires have been frequent in recent weeks, police have detained four individuals suspected of arson, adding to the sense of urgency surrounding these incidents. As the dust settles, stories of survival and courage emerge. From mothers fleeing with their children through flames to fishermen risking their lives to save strangers, the human spirit endures even in the face of devastation. For now, the focus remains on recovery and rebuilding, with communities coming together to support one another in the aftermath of the disasters.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 6 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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7 reports

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 100Objective 958/16/2026
A mother's terrifying confession after her children ran from the fire: "I thought it was over"

A mother named Dubravka Marunčić from Stanićev near Omiš recounts her harrowing experience during a fire that broke out along the Adriatic highway. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, trapping her and her children in a dangerous situation. Initially believing the fire would not reach their home, she was forced to flee with her four-year-old daughter, two-year-old son, and seven-year-old nephew. As they drove toward Omiš, they encountered burning cars and chaos on the road. When they reached the coast, the danger continued, fires were spreading along the beach, and people were injured while trying to escape. Eventually, a boat operated by local resident Milan Balić rescued them and others stranded on the shore. Dubravka and her family survived unharmed, though her youngest son suffered minor irritation from smoke.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal account of a natural disaster and emergency evacuation, which is not inherently politically charged. It provides a firsthand narrative without overt ideological framing, biased language, or selective sourcing. The content centers on human experience during a crisis,

Why factuality (100): The article directly quotes the primary source document from 'Slovenske novice', presenting the same content with no additions, omissions, or alterations. It accurately reflects Dubravka Marunčić’s experience and emotions during the fire evacuation. The narrative remains faithful to the original sou

Why objectivity (95): The tone is empathetic but not overly emotional. The article presents the events in a straightforward manner, focusing on the personal account without injecting strong subjective commentary. It maintains a respectful and balanced perspective.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 908/16/2026
Karla saved her life by jumping into the sea, where she waited for two hours for help

A woman named Katarina from Zagreb survived a devastating fire in the area of Omis by jumping into the sea and waiting two hours for rescue in a small cave carved out by the ocean. The fire broke out overnight on Thursday and forced many residents to evacuate. Katarina was on vacation in Omis when the fire approached, and she decided to flee toward the water after panic set in. She fell during her escape and injured her hand but managed to survive by taking shelter in a cave until rescuers found her. She was later taken to the hospital where her injuries were treated.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a personal survival story related to a natural disaster (fire), which is not inherently politically charged. It provides a balanced account of the event without showing clear bias towards any political stance or ideology. There is no indication of loaded language, one-sided or

Why factuality (90): The article provides a detailed account of Milan Balić’s actions, which are consistent with the primary source. It includes specific details like the number of people rescued and the conditions faced, all of which align with the original report. No significant deviations or fabrications are evident.

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral and factual tone, focusing on Milan’s actions and the challenges he faced. It avoids emotional embellishment and presents the events in a clear, objective manner.

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/16/2026
Croatia: dramatic escape from fire, grandson takes grandmother to safety in motorcycle (VIDEO)

A catastrophic fire broke out near Lokvi Rogoznica in Croatia and spread towards the coastal town of Omis, prompting the evacuation of around 2500 people. During the chaos, a dramatic video emerged of a young man carrying his elderly grandmother to safety inside a construction site shelter. The incident highlights the desperate measures people took during the emergency. According to reports, the pair was heading toward Pirk, where a sports center had been converted into a temporary shelter for evacuees. The fire caused significant damage, destroying numerous homes, vehicles, and other structures, with 38 people injured and 10 hospitalized in critical condition.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and human interest story, which is not inherently politically charged. It provides factual information about the fire, its impact, and the actions taken by individuals during the crisis without showing any clear ideological bias or framing that favors one政治派

Why factuality (85): The article references the primary source but adds some contextual details such as the number of people evacuated and the location of the sports center. While these are plausible, they are not explicitly mentioned in the primary source. However, the core story of Dubravka and her family remains cons

Why objectivity (80): The article has a slightly more dramatic tone, especially when describing the rescue efforts and the video footage. There is a slight emphasis on the heroism of the rescuer, which could be seen as a minor editorial tilt towards portraying the situation as heroic.

Siol.net logoSiol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 788/11/2026
Tragedy in Pag: Resuscitating a Man for 40 Minutes and Saving Him

A man was rescued after being unconscious and pulled from the sea at the beach of Babe on the Croatian island of Pag. Bystanders and medical staff performed CPR for approximately 40 minutes before the man regained a heartbeat. The rescue took place under challenging conditions, high temperatures, rocky terrain, and within lifeguard equipment. A cardiologist and anesthesiologist who were present on the beach assisted in the effort. Emergency medical services arrived shortly after the man regained a pulse. His current health status has not been disclosed.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a medical emergency and rescue operation without taking a stance on any political issue. It focuses on the actions of individuals and emergency responders rather than commenting on policies, officials, or political debates.

Why factuality (85): The article reports a successful resuscitation of a man after 40 minutes of CPR on the beach in Pag, Croatia. It provides details from a first responder who was present at the scene, including the duration of resuscitation, environmental conditions, and involvement of medical professionals. The info

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the event in a factual manner but uses emotionally charged language like 'dramatičnemu reševanju' (dramatic rescue) and emphasizes the success of the operation. While it remains largely neutral, the focus on the positive outcome may slightly skew the narrative towards a heroic p

Lokalec logoLokalecIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 858/16/2026
The shocking story of a mother from Omiš who fled with her children from a fire that had blocked all roads

A mother from Stanićev pri Omišu, Dubravka Marunčić, recounts her harrowing experience during a fire that engulfed the area. With her two young children and a seven-year-old nephew, she was trapped between flames, burning cars, and panicked people searching for safety. Initially unaware of how quickly the fire would reach their home, she fled with her children after her four-year-old daughter spotted glowing trees through the window. The escape route became dangerous as cars burned along the road, traffic stopped, and sparks flew through the air. In a moment of despair, she realized their only option was to head toward the sea. Upon reaching the shore, they faced further danger as the fire spread to pine trees and people hid in the dark near the water. Dubravka held her two-year-old son while using seawater to cool her older children’s heads, as they struggled to breathe amid the smoke. Eventually, a boat operated by local resident Milan Balić rescued them, ensuring all who could be saved were brought to safety. Dubravka and her children reached Omiš safely, though her two-year-old son suffered eye irritation from the smoke.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal account of a family escaping a wildfire, which is primarily a human-interest story. While it involves a natural disaster and community response, there is no explicit political framing, ideological emphasis, or partisan context. The narrative remains centered on the

Why factuality (80): This article focuses on a different survivor, Karla, who is not mentioned in the primary source. While it aligns with the broader context of the fire, it introduces new information not present in the original report. This reduces its factual alignment with the primary source.

Why objectivity (85): The tone is more reflective and emotional, emphasizing the survival against odds. While this is appropriate given the subject matter, it leans slightly into a more sentimental narrative, which may affect perceived objectivity.

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 708/15/2026
Hero from Stanićev: "People were running towards the sea, I took my boat and saved 60"

During a devastating fire in the area around Omiš, residents and tourists fled in panic as flames spread towards the coast. Milan Balić from Stanićev took decisive action by using his boat to rescue 60 people from the beach. The fire had crossed the road and threatened the coastline, leaving people with few options but to run toward the sea. Balić used two boats, one larger and one smaller, to evacuate those trapped, prioritizing the most vulnerable individuals. Despite challenging conditions including strong winds, poor visibility due to smoke, and rough seas, he managed to get everyone to safety. However, upon arriving at the harbor, the smaller boat capsized, causing all passengers to fall into the water. Fortunately, soldiers and special police were present and quickly rescued them. The fire caused significant destruction in Omiš, but thanks to people like Balić, the tragedy did not end in more loss of life.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a heroic individual's actions during a natural disaster, which is primarily a human-interest story rather than a politically charged issue. There is no clear ideological framing, and the narrative remains focused on the event itself and the personal account of the rescuer. No

Why factuality (80): This article provides detailed accounts of the rescue operation led by Milan Balić, including the number of people saved and specific injuries sustained. It aligns closely with the primary source document, particularly regarding the evacuation to the beach and the use of boats. The mention of three

Why objectivity (70): While the article presents the rescue efforts objectively, there is a slight emphasis on the heroic actions of Milan Balić, which could be interpreted as a form of narrative bias. The focus on his personal heroism might slightly skew the balance of the story.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 658/12/2026
Ferry burns midway: 172 people at sea, search continues for missing

A ferry traveling from Bali to Lombok caught fire early Wednesday morning in the Lombok Strait, resulting in the rescue of 172 people and one fatality. Over 200 rescuers and multiple vessels were involved in the operation, transporting survivors to nearby ports on Bali and Lombok. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and there is no confirmation yet whether overloading contributed to the incident. Rescue teams continue searching for missing individuals. This incident follows another ferry disaster off the island of Madura just under a month ago, where five people died, with similar reports of more passengers onboard than officially recorded. Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries for transportation, but inconsistent safety standards contribute to frequent maritime accidents.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a maritime accident without overt ideological framing. While it highlights systemic issues with ferry safety in Indonesia, it does not take a clear political stance or emphasize specific political agendas. The focus remains on the event itself and broader non

Why factuality (75): The article reports on a ferry fire incident with 172 people rescued, one death, and ongoing search efforts. It provides details about the location, time, rescue operations, and mentions an Australian survivor. The information aligns with the cross-source consensus but lacks specific confirmation of

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat sensational, using phrases like 'more than expected' and emphasizing the potential overloading of the ferry. While not overtly biased, the article leans toward highlighting the severity of the situation and the broader issue of safety standards in Indonesia.

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