Four Dead in Horrific Head-On Collision in Croatia; Couple Leaves Behind Two Children

A devastating head-on collision on the Virovitica bypass has claimed the lives of four people, including a married couple from Gradina. Danijel Š. (47) and Marina Š. (45) were killed instantly when their car was struck and overturned after another driver attempted an unsafe overtaking maneuver.

The accident, which occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, has sent shockwaves through the Virovitičko-podravska County. Police reported that the driver of a car with Virovitica plates initiated an overtaking, despite insufficient space. He collided head-on with the vehicle carrying the couple, which was then thrown into a guardrail and landed on its roof.

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We were just talking last week about how it's been 20 years since we've known each other, reminiscing about old times, laughing, talking... Rest in peace, my friend.

Two other individuals in the second car, a 66-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman, sustained severe injuries. The man died during transport by air ambulance, while the driver succumbed to his injuries at the General Hospital Virovitica. The 69-year-old woman remains hospitalized.

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We worked together last Friday, the feeling is very difficult. It's a great loss of such a good person, and a master. His wife was also wonderful.

Friends and colleagues described the couple as cheerful, hardworking, and well-loved. One colleague shared a poignant memory of their last conversation, discussing plans for a party and a subsequent lunch, a lunch they never reached. The couple leaves behind two children. The municipality of Gradina has declared a day of mourning, with social media flooded with messages of sympathy.

Neighbors and friends expressed disbelief and sorrow. "We were just talking last week about how it's been 20 years since we've known each other, reminiscing about old times, laughing, talking... Rest in peace, my friend," wrote one friend, highlighting the deep personal impact of the tragedy.

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They were respected residents. The wife was previously a councilor, and the husband was a driver. Good people. Now we are trying to help the family and find a place for burial. We haven't seen such a tragedy in a long time. They were young people.