A young man in Gorica was fixing a car and lit a cigarette.

A fire broke out in a workshop located on Kurilovečka Street in Velika Gorica late on Sunday evening, resulting in severe injuries to a young man and significant damage to his personal vehicle. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8:10 PM when a 22-year-old man was repairing his Renault Clio, which bore Zagreb license plates. While working on the car in the workshop, he lit a cigarette, which led to the vehicle catching fire. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire car within minutes. The fire then extended to the entrance door of the workshop, which also caught fire and was damaged.

The fire department responded promptly upon receiving the call and managed to extinguish the blaze before it could cause further damage. However, the young man suffered serious burns and was immediately taken to the Trauma Clinic in Zagreb for medical treatment. His condition remains critical, though specific details about the extent of his injuries have not been disclosed publicly. Authorities have confirmed that the exact amount of material damage caused by the fire has yet to be determined, as assessments are still ongoing.

The incident highlights the dangers associated with open flames in environments where flammable materials are present. The workshop, which appears to be a private garage or repair shop, was not equipped with proper fire safety measures, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. The young man's actions—lighting a cigarette while working on a vehicle—may have introduced an ignition source into an otherwise controlled environment, leading to the catastrophic outcome. Firefighters emphasized the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in such settings to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Police are examining whether the young man followed all necessary precautions while working on his car, including ensuring that no flammable substances were nearby. They are also looking into the overall safety conditions of the workshop to determine if there were any additional factors that contributed to the severity of the fire. The results of these investigations will help shape potential changes in local regulations regarding fire prevention in workshops and garages.

In addition to the immediate consequences of the fire, the incident has raised concerns among residents of Velika Gorica about public safety in areas where vehicles are repaired. Some community members have expressed worry over the lack of fire safety standards in small repair shops, suggesting that more stringent guidelines should be implemented to protect both workers and property. Local officials have acknowledged these concerns and indicated that they are considering ways to improve fire safety awareness and enforcement in the area.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding how the fire started and what steps can be taken to prevent similar occurrences. The young man’s recovery process is being closely monitored, and updates on his health status are expected soon. Meanwhile, the community waits for further information about the official findings and any proposed changes to local fire safety policies. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to safety practices, especially in environments where the risk of fire is inherently high.