Omis, Croatia. Photo: Shutterstock Authorities in Croatia are coordinating the response to a major fire that broke out in Omiš overnight, with 14 people hospitalized and 10 currently receiving intensive care, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said.
The fire prompted the evacuation of residents, while firefighters and emergency services worked through the night to protect people and property. Evacuated residents were accommodated at the Ribnjak City Sports Hall in Omiš.
In a statement earlier Friday, Plenković said the government and relevant emergency services were coordinating efforts to deal with the aftermath. A headquarters meeting was scheduled for 10 am with Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban, Omiš Mayor Ivo Močić and representatives of emergency and healthcare services.
According to Plenković, 14 people were hospitalized at Split University Hospital Center , including 10 in intensive care. Additional healthcare workers were mobilized, while Croatia's Health Ministry began coordinating with hospitals in Zagreb in case patients needed to be transferred.
Later, Plenković visited the fire site in Omiš together with several government ministers and met with firefighters and other emergency personnel involved in the response.
He expressed regret for those injured and said he and other officials would visit patients receiving treatment at Split University Hospital Center. Zagreb hospitals remain on standby.
The Croatian government has also said it is prepared to assist foreign tourists affected by the fire , including helping them safely return to their home countries if necessary.
Plenković praised volunteer and professional firefighters from across Croatia for their efforts, as well as other emergency services involved in the response.
The prime minister said authorities remained in contact with local and county officials while monitoring the situation and responding to the consequences of the fire.
The incident comes during Croatia's busy summer tourism season, making the situation particularly relevant for visitors in and around Omiš and the Split-Dalmatia region. Authorities have not indicated that the fire represents a nationwide threat to tourism, but travelers in the affected area should follow instructions from local emergency services and authorities.
Hundreds of people were also evacuated from a beach resort in northern Greece .