Three wildfire victims in critical condition with severe burns, Omiš fire caused widespread destruction

Three patients injured in a wildfire near Omiš, Croatia, are in critical condition and fighting for their lives. Transferred from KBC Split to KBC Sisters of Mercy in Zagreb, they are intubated, on mechanical ventilation, and receiving intensive care for severe burns that cover 40% to 70% of their bodies. Additional diagnostics revealed inhalation injuries in all three.

“

They are housed in the Intensive Care Unit, remain life-threatening, intubated, on mechanical ventilation, and receiving therapy to stabilize vital functions.

The devastating fire ravaged the Omiš region, destroying 58 residential buildings, two garages, 36 vehicles, 25 boats, two trailers, one motorcycle, and two trucks. Blaženko Boban, the prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, reported these preliminary figures, emphasizing that the data was not yet final and the damage would require further categorization.

“

Data is not yet final, nor have the damages been categorized. Among the facilities, there are certainly those that are only slightly affected, but they are also included in the list. Further categorization will be needed.

While reception centers have been disbanded as residents return home or continue their travels, the Red Cross remains active in Omiš, providing food and drinks to emergency crews and residents unable to prepare meals. Boban declared the incident a major disaster, not a natural catastrophe, to facilitate the mobilization of necessary municipal services and companies.

“

Penalties for intentionally causing fires should be as severe as possible due to the endangerment of lives and destruction of property.

Regarding the fire's origin, Boban stated that the police investigation is ongoing and declined to speculate on whether it was arson. He stressed the need for severe penalties for intentionally causing fires due to the endangerment of lives and destruction of property. Boban extended condolences to the family of the one fatality and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured.

“

I consider that the penalties for intentionally causing fires should be as severe as possible due to the endangerment of lives and destruction of property.