A year after the tragedy in Donja Jablanica, when 19 people died in a quarry collapse, the investigation is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed. The families of the victims, as well as the locals, are outraged because no one has been held accountable for the loss of their loved ones.
The Prosecutor’s Office of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton says that analyses and assessments are still being carried out, and that the decision on whether to file charges will depend on the findings of the expert, evidence, and the statements of witnesses and suspects.
“We expect the investigation to be completed soon, and whether an indictment will be filed will depend on the analysis of the results of the checks, the findings of the expert and evidence, as well as the statements of the witnesses and suspects heard,” the HNK Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office announced.
As we have learned unofficially, the company “Sani”, which owns the quarry, its owner and three inspectors, are under investigation. They are suspected of abuse of office or authority, causing a general danger, environmental pollution and negligent work in the service.
Experts warn that the material damage from the landslide was inevitable, but that the human factor was crucial in the tragedy that claimed lives.
“The landslide process itself could not have been prevented, but the human factor is the main cause of the deaths of 19 people,” stressed Muhamed Bajrić, a professor at the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Sarajevo.
The Federal Civil Protection Administration says that work is being done to prevent floods and landslides, but that without stronger support from the authorities, this work is not possible.
“We still have a problem with the systemic approach. More investment in prevention and better cooperation between all levels of government is needed,” said the director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration, Aldin Brašnjić.
The residents of Donja Jablanica say that they have lost trust in the institutions. They are outraged because no one has yet been held accountable for the deaths of their loved ones, and they are additionally worried that they have no information about the progress of the investigation.
“We don’t know the names of the prosecutors or the experts, we don’t have any information, and with every new rain we fear that the tragedy will happen again,” the locals said.
A year later, the wounds in Donja Jablanica are still fresh. The question of responsibility still hangs in the air, while the families of the victims wait for justice.
