Dutch Driver Dies After Vehicle Plunges into Ravine in Slovenia

A tragic accident in the Slovenian municipality of Kobarid resulted in the death of a 59-year-old Dutch national. The incident occurred when his Land Rover veered off a steep slope and plunged into a ravine.

The Dutch driver was navigating a rough track on the slopes of Stol, heading towards the village of Staro Selo. After reaching a dead end marked by metal gates, he attempted to reverse. During this maneuver, the front right wheel of his vehicle slipped over the edge of the precipitous slope, causing the car to stop precariously.

In an attempt to extricate his vehicle, the driver secured it with a car winch, cable, and strap to a nearby bush, while remaining inside. However, during the winching operation, the vehicle lost its grip and slid down the steep incline, falling several dozen meters before coming to rest. The inaccessible terrain necessitated a complex rescue operation involving members of the Mountain Rescue Service (GRS Tolmin) and firefighters from Kobarid and Breginj, as well as a helicopter from the Air Police Unit.

Rescuers located the man approximately 100 meters below where the vehicle had slipped. He showed no signs of life, and his death was later confirmed by a doctor. The vehicle was found about 250 meters further down the slope. The deceased was transported to Tolmin by helicopter, and a forensic autopsy has been ordered to determine the precise cause of death. Police have ruled out foul play and will submit a report to the state prosecutor's office.