Three people have died following an explosion and fire at a wood processing plant in the central Croatian town of Čazma, local authorities said on Friday.
A 59-year-old woman died at the scene after the blast occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time on Thursday in a sawmill silo belonging to DI Čazma. Two other workers — a 65-year-old man and another 59-year-old woman — succumbed to severe burns in hospital, police confirmed.
Both victims were airlifted to a Zagreb hospital after initially being treated at a local facility in Bjelovar. Medical officials said they sustained life-threatening burns over 70–80% of their bodies.
A fourth individual, a 24-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated at Bjelovar General Hospital.
Authorities said the explosion was followed by a fire that spread throughout the facility. Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, were dispatched to the site immediately. An investigation is being led by the deputy county prosecutor.
In response to the fatal incident, Čazma Mayor Valentina Čanađija has declared Monday, June 16, a local day of mourning. Flags on public buildings will be flown at half-mast and official events will be cancelled.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We will provide all the support we can in this difficult time,” Čanađija said in a statement.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. No further details were immediately available.