Croatia Wildfire Injures Seven, Forces Mass Evacuation in Omis
A wildfire near Omis, Croatia, injured at least seven seriously, hospitalized 14, and forced over 1,000 to evacuate.
A wildfire that swept through the Croatian coastal town of Omis overnight has left at least seven people in life-threatening condition and forced more than a thousand residents to flee their homes.
The fire broke out late Thursday in a suburb of Omis and spread rapidly due to strong winds, according to local authorities. The blaze came dangerously close to the town center, cutting electricity to parts of Omis and destroying numerous vehicles.
Emergency services reported that 36 people sought medical attention, with 14 admitted to hospital. Among them, seven are in a serious condition. Croatian media showed images of a crowded sports hall in Omis, where displaced residents were sheltering on beds and the floor.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with some people jumping into the sea after boats in the harbor caught fire. Firefighting teams managed to bring the blaze under control by Friday morning, though attention has shifted south to the Peljesac peninsula, where another wildfire broke out overnight.