Death in Šibenik highlights dangers of pyrotechnics

Tragedy struck late on Saturday night in Šibenik when a woman died as a result of injuries sustained by a pyrotechnic device during a wedding celebration.

According to reports, the woman was hit in the head by a round from a flare gun while standing in front of the famous Cathedral of St. James. She was rushed to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Ivana Skorić, director of the Šibenik-Knin County General Hospital, offered her condolences to the victim's family and to all those who were involved in the tragic event.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović commented on the 52-year-old suspect who was taken into custody by police shortly thereafter.

"The suspect was arrested. A criminal report will be filed presumably for extreme negligence causing death. These charges can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. However, I will leave that up to the justice system," said the minister.

Unfortunately, a similar incident took place in Makarska on the same evening and also at a wedding where a 30-year-old woman was seriously injured in the abdomen after being shot by a flare gun. She is currently at the Split University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Earlier on Sunday, police arrested a 34-year-old man from the Zadar area in relation to the accident.

In July this year, a petition signed by around 40,000 citizens was submitted to the Ministry of the Interior demanding a complete ban on the sale of all pyrotechnics to citizens, regardless of category or time of year, including Christmas and New Years.

Fines of up to 10,000 euros and the possibility of imprisonment are being proposed for those who violate the ban.