The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina made a decision declaring today a day of mourning in this entity, on the occasion of the unprecedented tragedy and death of five mountaineers from Zenica during the ascent of Mount Elbrus in Russia.
This decision was made at a session of the FBiH Government.
Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy Adnan Delić expressed, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and his own name, his deep condolences to the families and relatives of all five victims.
“There are news in front of which no words are enough. The loss of five human lives in such a tragedy leaves a sadness that goes beyond their families and friends and affects all of us. Our thoughts are with the families and those closest to the victims. In moments when the pain is greater than any consolation, it is difficult to find words that can ease their loss. However, I want them to know that they are not alone in this pain. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina shares their grief and pays respect to the lives that were tragically cut short,” Minister Delić said.
He added that the declaration of the Day of Mourning is an expression of the sympathy of the entire society and our common need to stop, pay tribute to the victims and be with their families in one of the most difficult moments that a person can experience.
FBiH Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić yesterday held an interview with the president of the Zenica Mountain Rescue Service, Dino Ahmetović, and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
“It is difficult to find words that can describe the pain of families, friends and everyone who knew them. This is not a tragedy only for Zenica and the mountaineer community, but for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Nikšić, wishing the two surviving mountaineers a successful recovery and strength after everything they have been through.
The Government of the FBiH will get involved as much as possible and provide concrete help to ensure the transportation of the bodies of the fallen mountaineers from Russia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the safe return of the two survivors. Nikšić particularly emphasized the importance of supporting the Mountain Rescue Service in these difficult times, stressing their courage, humanity and daily risking their own lives to save others.
We remind you that the unfortunate expedition in the Caucasus consisted of seven mountaineers from Zenica, two of whom were members of the Zenica GSS, and three of the Vedro Mountaineering Society. All members of the team were experienced mountaineers with numerous ascents behind them, and had previously successfully conquered peaks above 5,000 meters above sea level.
According to the information confirmed so far, Haris Adilović and Kemal Vidimlić survived the tragedy, while official information from the institutions about the victims Alma Okanović, Denis Okanović, Nermin Talam, Almir Krivdić and Meliha Čaušević is still awaited.
On the Day of Mourning, flags at institutions in the Federation of BiH will be lowered to half-mast, and media, cultural and entertainment programs will be adapted to this day.
