A tall ash tree fell onto a beach in Crikvenica, injuring four people, including two children, during a visit to the area. The incident occurred around 11:10 local time, according to reports from the coastal mountain police. The tree, estimated to be approximately 13.5 meters high, collapsed near its roots. At the time of the fall, four Croatian citizens and four Czech nationals were present on the beach, among them two children from Croatia and one child from the Czech Republic. All individuals managed to free themselves from under the fallen tree before emergency services arrived. They sustained minor injuries, primarily bruises and superficial wounds, as reported by net.hr. The company EKO-MURVICA, which oversees green spaces, has stated that they will work with qualified experts to determine the circumstances of the accident. According to their explanation, the tree in question was an ash species, known for having a relatively shallow root system. Factors such as prolonged drought, soil characteristics, and terrain conditions can influence the stability of such trees. Additionally, the beach known as Balustrada is located on a sandy ground, which could further affect root stability. EKO-MURVICA has also warned that damage to the root system and associated risks of tree collapse are not always detectable through routine visual inspections, especially if the tree does not show visible signs of distress. Although there are specialized diagnostic methods and equipment for assessing tree condition, these tools cannot guarantee complete safety in all cases. Following the incident, the company has announced additional inspections of trees on the Balustrada beach and other heavily visited public areas to determine whether further expert assessments or preventive measures are necessary. The event has prompted concern among local authorities and environmental management organizations. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, ensuring the injured received medical attention. All four individuals were transported to the Clinical Hospital Center Reka for treatment. While none of the victims were in life-threatening condition, the incident highlights the potential dangers posed by unstable trees in public spaces. Local officials have emphasized the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring of urban and recreational greenery. In response to the incident, EKO-MURVICA expressed regret over the occurrence and wished the affected individuals a swift recovery. Their teams arrived at the site immediately upon notification and are collaborating with relevant specialists and services to investigate the causes of the tree’s collapse. The company has reiterated that while advanced techniques exist for evaluating tree health, they cannot eliminate all risk factors entirely. This underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive management of tree safety in public areas. Further investigations into the incident are underway, focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions to prevent similar occurrences. The company plans to conduct comprehensive assessments of the affected area and potentially implement additional safeguards. These efforts aim to ensure the continued safety of visitors to the beach and other public spaces. As the investigation progresses, local authorities and environmental agencies remain committed to addressing the underlying issues contributing to the incident.
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