A man who was seriously injured in a fire in Omiš has died

A man died from severe injuries 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 rapidly spread toward Omiš due to strong winds. According to reports, the fire consumed approximately 1,000 hectares of land and left widespread destruction in its wake. The fire resulted in 38 injured individuals, seven of whom sustained critical injuries. Among them, a male patient, born in 1947, was admitted to the Clinical Hospital Center Split with severe burns. Despite intensive medical efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries. The hospital confirmed that all measures were taken to save his life, but the outcome remained unchanged. His death brings the total number of fatalities to two since the fire began. The first fatality was identified as a 34-year-old woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina who was working seasonally in the region. She had been caught in the fire while attempting to escape. Her body was found among the charred remnants in the village of Mali Luk near Stanice. The woman's identity has been shared with local authorities, and her family has been notified. Emergency services responded swiftly to the emergency, with firefighters battling the blaze over an extensive area stretching nearly 23 kilometers. The intensity of the fire, combined with the wind conditions, made containment challenging. Firefighters managed to control the situation after several hours, though the damage was extensive. In addition to the human toll, the fire caused significant material loss. A total of 28 homes, 106 vehicles, and 45 boats were completely destroyed. Numerous commercial, hospitality, and support structures were also damaged or lost entirely. Local officials have expressed concern over the scale of the devastation, which has impacted both residential and economic areas. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Police and the state prosecutor’s office have launched an inquiry into the incident. They have requested assistance from residents who possess surveillance cameras, hoping to gather evidence that could shed light on the origin of the blaze. While some locals suspect the fire was not accidental, the exact cause remains under investigation. Several residents have voiced their concerns regarding the potential causes of the fire. Some believe that negligence or improper handling of flammable materials might have contributed to the outbreak. Others suggest that environmental factors, such as dry vegetation and high temperatures, played a role. However, these remain speculative until the official investigation concludes. Medical staff continue to treat the remaining critically injured patients. These individuals, who suffered severe burns and respiratory injuries, are receiving care on intensive care units. Their condition remains unstable, and ongoing treatment is necessary to ensure survival. The hospital has not released further details about the prognosis of these patients. The community is still recovering from the aftermath of the disaster. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and begin the process of rebuilding. Local government representatives have pledged support to affected families and businesses, emphasizing the need for long-term recovery plans. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires, particularly in regions prone to drought and strong winds.