A boat carrying migrants overturned early on Thursday on the Sava River in eastern Croatia, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured, authorities reported.
Accident Near Bosnia Border
The incident occurred near the town of Slavonski Brod, close to the border with Bosnia. Officials said migrants were attempting to cross the river in dense fog when their boat capsized.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving a call around 5:30 a.m., according to Ivan Vuleta, head of the local firefighters. Initial reports mistakenly stated that three people had died.
Investigation and Arrest
Police confirmed that a man from Bosnia has been detained on suspicion of people smuggling. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The nationalities of the migrants involved have not yet been confirmed.
The Dangers of Migrant Routes in Europe
Many migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa risk their lives trying to reach Western Europe, often relying on smugglers to cross borders illegally.
Croatia, a European Union member, is a key point on the so-called Balkan route, which sees migrants entering from Bosnia or Serbia. This route stretches from Turkey or Greece through North Macedonia and onward into EU countries.