Muere otra víctima del incendio de Omis

A man has died as a result of injuries sustained in the August 13 fire in Omis, Croatia, making him the second fatality linked to the disaster. The 79-year-old male passed away at Split’s hospital on Friday after intensive treatment, according to officials at the facility. Three others remain in critical condition, with medical teams continuing efforts to stabilize their conditions. The fire broke out late on August 13 and rapidly spread due to strong winds, forcing more than 100 residents, including numerous tourists, to evacuate their homes. Dozens of houses and vehicles were destroyed before the blaze was finally extinguished the following morning with the aid of aerial firefighting resources. Approximately 40 people were injured, among them seven with severe burns, some of whom were transferred to hospitals in Zagreb for further care. A 34-year-old woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina lost her life during the incident. Emergency services responded swiftly to the initial reports of smoke and flames, deploying ground crews and later requesting air support to contain the growing inferno. Local authorities confirmed that the area had been under heightened risk due to recent weather patterns, which included prolonged dry spells and gusty winds. These conditions contributed significantly to the rapid escalation of the fire, complicating containment efforts. Residents who lived near the affected areas described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke obscuring visibility and creating hazardous conditions. Many were forced to flee without time to retrieve personal belongings, leading to widespread displacement. The local government has since initiated a review of emergency response protocols, citing the need for improved coordination between ground and aerial units during such crises. In addition to the immediate impact on the community, the fire has raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability to similar incidents in the future. Environmental experts have noted that the combination of climate change-related droughts and increased frequency of extreme weather events could heighten the risk of wildfires in coastal regions like Omis. This has prompted calls for greater investment in fire prevention infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. Medical staff at Split’s hospital have expressed concern over the long-term implications of the injuries sustained by survivors. Several patients continue to require specialized care, including skin grafts and respiratory therapy. The hospital has also reported a surge in demand for psychological support services, highlighting the emotional toll of the tragedy on both victims and responders. Authorities are currently working to determine the exact cause of the fire, though preliminary investigations suggest that it began in a residential area on the outskirts of Omis. Further analysis is expected to clarify whether human error, equipment failure, or natural factors played a role. In the meantime, recovery operations have begun in the affected neighborhoods, with volunteers assisting in clearing debris and restoring basic utilities.