Two charged after flare fired at wedding kills guest

A tragedy that occurred at a wedding in Šibenik last year has led to charges against two men. The incident, which resulted in the death of a 35-year-old female guest, involved the improper firing of a signal rocket.

The State Prosecutor's Office has indicted a 53-year-old and a 39-year-old man, charging them with a serious crime against public safety committed through a dangerous act. According to the indictment, the 39-year-old brought flares and signal rockets to the wedding ceremony held in front of the Cathedral of St. James.

Prosecutors allege that the 39-year-old was aware that these were restricted items and that improper handling could endanger the lives of those present. Despite this knowledge, he reportedly allowed the 53-year-old to take a signal rocket without informing him about its nature. The 53-year-old, who allegedly did not verify the type of device or his ability to handle it, fired the rocket towards the ground instead of into the air.

The signal rocket struck the ground and then hit the 35-year-old wedding guest. She sustained severe injuries and later died in the hospital. The prosecution contends that both defendants were aware of the potential dangers associated with the misuse of such pyrotechnic devices.