Fatal Car Crash on A3 Highway in Croatia Claims Two Lives, Injures Child

On May 31, 2024, a devastating car crash occurred on the A3 highway near Novska, Croatia, resulting in the deaths of a 24-year-old Croatian driver and a 20-year-old passenger. The accident involved a BMW colliding with a truck, critically injuring a 2-year-old child who was hospitalized in Zagreb.

Why this matters: This tragic incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures on the A3 highway, which has a history of fatal accidents. The investigation's findings and subsequent actions could have a significant impact on preventing similar incidents in the future.

The accident took place on the A3 highway between Okučani and Novska, causing significant disruption. The section of the highway affected by the crash was closed, leading to kilometer-long traffic jams. Motorists were diverted to the Županijska cesta Okučani-Novska (ŽC 3252) road, with a 3 km-long queue forming near the Okučani intersection.

The critically injured child was initially taken to the Novogradiška hospital before being urgently transported to the KBC Zagreb hospital. Josip Kolodziej, the director of the Novogradiška hospital, confirmed the severity of the child's injuries, stating, "Ima teške ozlijede više organskih sustava, potvrdio nam je ravnatelj bolnice" ("The child has severe injuries to multiple organ systems, confirmed by the hospital director.").

This tragic incident is part of a series of accidents that have occurred on the same stretch of highway in recent years. In March 2024, two people lost their lives in a similar accident, and in January 2024, four people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the same highway. The A3 highway between Novska and Okučani has a history of fatal accidents, including a 2019 incident where a truck driver lost control and killed two schoolgirls on an excursion.

In 2018, a bus and truck collision on the same highway resulted in the death of a truck driver and injuries to several bus passengers. Multiple accidents in 2016, 2014, and 2007 also resulted in several fatalities. The frequency and severity of these accidents raise concerns about road safety on this particular stretch of highway.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway, aiming to determine the exact cause of the collision. Authorities are focused on understanding the factors that led to this tragic event and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

This latest accident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures on the A3 highway. The community mourns the loss of the young lives and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured child as the inquiry unfolds.

Key Takeaways

• 2 people died, 1 critically injured in car crash on A3 highway in Croatia.
• Accident involved BMW colliding with truck, causing severe injuries to 2-year-old.
• A3 highway has history of fatal accidents, highlighting need for improved safety.
• Investigation underway to determine cause of collision and prevent future incidents.
• Community mourns loss of young lives, hopes for swift recovery of injured child.