Tragic Holiday: Czech Family's Vacation in Croatia Ends in Explosion
A Czech family's holiday in Croatia turned tragic when a 9-year-old boy was killed by an explosive device. The incident occurred near the town of Zadar in central Croatia. The boy's father, aged 46, was arrested following the explosion that also injured three adults, all Czech citizens.
Entering a Prohibited Military Zone
The tragedy unfolded when the family entered a restricted military training area, ignoring clear warning signs in both Croatian and English. The father allowed his son to pick up an explosive device, believed to be a hand grenade, and place it in their car. The vehicle later broke down in Bilisane, where the device detonated as the boy attempted to remove it.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Croatian police filed a criminal complaint against the father for committing a serious crime against public safety. The Zadar County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the complaint would be forwarded to the Czech Republic as all involved are Czech citizens. Czech authorities have acknowledged the arrest but have refrained from further comments due to the sensitive nature of the case involving a child's death.
- Two women, aged 49 and 34, suffered serious injuries from the explosion and were taken to Zadar Hospital. One woman sustained severe eye injuries while the other underwent surgery for serious abdominal injuries.
- Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the exact circumstances of the explosion. One version suggests the boy found the explosive device in the bushes during an involuntary stop, while another account from a local resident denies the area was mined during the Yugoslavian wars.
- Forensic examinations are ongoing to determine the type of explosive device involved. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military training areas and the importance of adhering to warning signs.
