A tragic incident in Serbia has left a 16-year-old athlete dead and his twin brother hospitalized following a van crash that also injured seven others. The group of teenage athletes was returning from an international sports competition when the devastating accident occurred.
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According to reports, the passenger van, driven by an individual identified as “S.S.” in their 40s, overturned on a first-class state road while en route from Novi Sad to Belgrade, Serbia. The van was carrying eight minor passengers, aged between 13 and 16, who were members of a judo club from Belgrade. They had been participating in a global sports camp and competition in Azerbaijan.
Tragically, during the early hours of Wednesday, October 29, the van veered off the road, broke through a fence, and landed in a canal. The 16-year-old athlete lost his life at the scene of the crash, while the others, including the driver, were rushed to a hospital in Novi Sad with varying degrees of injuries.
Slaviša Pavlović, the father of the deceased teenager, revealed that his son’s twin brother was among those injured in the accident. The group had flown back from Baku to Budapest after the competition and was on their way back to Belgrade by van when the tragic incident occurred.
Upon reaching the children’s hospital, it was reported that two of the survivors, aged between 13 and 15, were admitted to the intensive care unit. One suffered a cervical spine injury and was transferred to Belgrade for further treatment, while the other was in stable condition. The remaining five teens are under observation and reported to be in good health.
Authorities confirmed that the driver did not have alcohol in his system following the crash, and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is currently underway. Both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the judo club involved have yet to provide further comments on the incident.
This heartbreaking event has shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers of road travel, especially for young athletes returning from competitions. The loss of a young life and the injuries sustained by others serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures and responsible driving practices.
As the investigation continues, the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy are left to grieve and seek answers amidst this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as they navigate through this overwhelming loss and recovery process.