Four people were injured in a crash on the A1. During the rescue operation, police documented 29 drivers using the cleared emergency corridor from a prohibited or opposing direction.
The crash blocked both traffic lanes
At about 15:30 on 29 August, several vehicles collided near Gornja Ploča in the direction of Zagreb. A lorry moved onto the hard shoulder, struck a stationary lorry and a Slovak passenger car there, and then overturned across both traffic lanes.
Another car struck vehicle debris. Four people were injured: one remained at KBC Rijeka and three at Gospić hospital.
The 29 cases concern the emergency corridor
Perušić traffic police recorded 29 drivers who, in connection with the emergency corridor, drove from an opposing or prohibited direction.
The figure describes documented violations, not automatically 29 final convictions. Further handling of each case remains a matter for the authorities.
Three further violations were added
Police identified other motorway offences by three drivers. These were described as weaving through traffic, overtaking on the hard shoulder and tailgating while using light or sound signals.
These three cases are separate from the 29 corridor violations. Anyone adding the two figures should make that different classification clear.
Why the clear corridor is not an escape route
The gap between the rows of vehicles is reserved exclusively for police, ambulances and firefighters. It must not be used to move ahead, turn around or drive back.
Even a few oncoming cars can block emergency vehicles. In a crash with injured people, that costs more than time: it endangers both responders and those waiting.
How to form the corridor
On a carriageway with two lanes, the left-hand row moves as far left as possible and the right-hand row as far right as possible. The hard shoulder remains clear as a rule unless emergency personnel instruct otherwise.
The corridor is formed as soon as traffic slows to a queue — not only when blue lights appear in the mirror. Getting out of the vehicle or walking between the rows is also dangerous.
More drivers may be identified
Police have received information from citizens together with photos and videos. The recordings are to be used to identify vehicles and drivers and pursue violations.
This does not mean that every submitted image proves an offence. Registration number, direction of travel, time and context must first be checked.
What the report deliberately leaves open
The authority does not state a single standard fine for all 29 cases in this notice. Different actions and stages of proceedings may be assessed differently.
The reliable facts are the sequence of the crash, four injured people, 29 documented corridor violations, three additional motorway offences and the continuing review of further recordings.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
Time-sensitive information may change. Please check the linked primary source before travelling.
