Chaos on the A1: Torcida blocked the highway in the midst of summer crowds, prevented a big cheerleading scrimmage?

A chaotic traffic jam on Croatia’s A1 motorway near the Draganić rest area has been averted after police intervened to prevent a potential confrontation between fans of Rijeka and Hajduk ahead of their upcoming matches. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. local time on August 16, 2026, just after the Karlovac junction heading towards Zagreb. According to police statements confirmed to Jutarnji list, the traffic halt was caused by fan activity rather than an accident. The disruption began shortly after 4 p.m., with vehicles coming to a standstill immediately after the Karlovac interchange in the direction of the Draganić rest area. Witnesses described three police cars passing by the scene, followed by the closure of the road. One observer told Jutarnji list they had been stuck in traffic for nearly half an hour before the police arrived. The police confirmed that the situation was under control by 5 p.m., allowing traffic to resume. According to reports from 24sata, there were indications that a large-scale clash between supporters of Rijeka's Armada group and Hajduk's Torcida faction was being prepared at the Draganić rest area. However, the Karlovac police acted swiftly to prevent escalation. In a video shared online by the website Hooligans.cz, it was claimed that approximately 150 members of each group were present, though no injuries or arrests have been officially reported yet. The footage showed masked fans running along the shoulder of the highway, adding to the tension. The timing of the incident coincided with two major football matches scheduled for later in the evening. Rijeka was set to face Varaždin at 6:30 p.m., while Hajduk was due to play against Gorica in Velika Gorica at 9 p.m. These fixtures are part of the SuperSport HNL league, which has seen frequent incidents involving fan violence in recent years. Traffic conditions on the A1 remained partially affected even after the initial blockage was cleared. According to the Croatian Automobile Club, traffic continued in columns with brief stoppages between the Karlovac and Jastrebarsko junctions heading toward Zagreb. At the Lučko toll station, both directions saw minimal delays, while the Demerje toll station in the Zagreb direction had no long waits. Elsewhere, on the state road DC1, traffic was halted between Rudanovac and Prijeboj due to an accident, and slow-moving traffic was observed near the Otrić area between Gračac and Knin. On the Krčka Bridge, traffic increased in both directions, with a queue forming from Njivica toward the mainland. Police helicopters were reportedly deployed to monitor the situation at the Draganić rest area, according to Večernji list. The newspaper cited unnamed sources suggesting that the conflict could have turned into a larger disturbance had it not been for the prompt intervention of law enforcement. The police have not yet released detailed information about the number of individuals involved or whether anyone was detained. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over fan behavior in Croatian football, particularly during high-profile matches. While the immediate threat of violence appears to have been neutralized, the presence of armed groups and the use of masks suggest a level of organization and preparation among some fan factions. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures aimed at preventing such confrontations. Authorities have not commented further on the specific actions taken by the police or the nature of the interactions between the groups. However, the swift resolution of the situation indicates a coordinated response by local law enforcement. As the day progressed, traffic gradually returned to normal, although sporadic delays persisted in certain sections of the A1. The incident underscores the challenges faced by police in managing fan-related disruptions, especially in areas frequented by supporters traveling to matches. With both Rijeka and Hajduk having a history of fan-related incidents, the potential for similar situations in the future remains a concern for officials responsible for public safety.