A firefighter was killed in the fire at Omis, his wife was also injured
A renowned firefighter, Drago Lelas, died from severe injuries sustained during a catastrophic fire in the area of Omiš, Croatia. The fire broke out on August 13 in Lokvi Rogoznica and spread rapidly due to strong winds, forcing hundreds of people to flee. Lelas, who had been a prominent member of the volunteer firefighting community and received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts, succumbed to his injuries at the Split Clinical Hospital Center. His wife was also injured in the incident and treated at the same hospital. At least four other individuals were seriously injured, with some requiring treatment in Zagreb. The fire destroyed multiple vehicles, homes, businesses, and natural areas, including forests and olive groves. Firefighters from across Croatia worked for 14 days to contain and extinguish the blaze, which was described as the worst fire of the year in Croatia.
A man died from severe injuries sustained in a fire near Omiš, Croatia, marking the second fatality linked to the blaze that erupted on August 13th. The incident unfolded in the area of Lokva Rogoznica, where the flames quickly spread toward Omiš due to strong winds. According to reports from local media, the fire resulted in 38 injured individuals, seven of whom suffered critical injuries. A male patient, born in 1947, was admitted to the Clinical Hospital Center Split with severe burns and other trauma. Despite intensive medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by hospital staff. The fire began around 8 p.m. in a wooded area along a road near Lokva Rogoznica. It rapidly expanded over a distance of approximately 23 kilometers, reaching up to 1.5 kilometers in width in some areas. Approximately 1,000 hectares of land were burned. Among the victims, the first fatality was identified as a 34-year-old woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina who worked seasonally in the region. She had been caught in the flames while attempting to escape the fire. In addition to the fatalities, several others remain critically injured. These patients continue to receive treatment on the intensive care unit, with their lives still at risk. Some have suffered extensive burns and respiratory damage, requiring ongoing ventilatory support. Medical teams in Split have expressed concern over the severity of these cases, emphasizing the challenges posed by the extent of the injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Police and the state prosecutor’s office have requested assistance from residents who possess surveillance cameras in the affected area. Local residents suspect the fire was not accidental, though the exact origin remains under investigation. The authorities have secured footage from nearby camera systems and are analyzing it as part of the inquiry. Meanwhile, another tragic incident occurred in Italy, where a young man suffered serious injuries after jumping into the water at the Ieranto Bay near Naples. He did not notice a fellow swimmer below him, leading to a collision that left him severely hurt. Rescuers arrived swiftly and transported him via helicopter to a non-urgent hospital in Naples. Witnesses reported that the man lost consciousness upon impact and was later revived after more than 15 minutes. Other details regarding the second individual involved remain unclear. Both incidents highlight the dangers of natural disasters and human error. In Croatia, the fire has caused widespread destruction, including the complete loss of 28 homes, 106 vehicles, and 45 boats. Several commercial, hospitality, and auxiliary buildings were also damaged. The scale of the disaster has prompted a comprehensive response from emergency services and local authorities. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to affected communities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the causes behind both tragedies. In Croatia, the search for the fire's origin continues, with officials relying on evidence gathered from surveillance footage and on-site inspections. In Italy, the case involving the diver is being reviewed by local authorities, with further details expected as the situation develops. Both events underscore the need for increased safety measures and preparedness in vulnerable environments.
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