Croatian Prime Minister dismisses Defense Minister over fatal traffic accident
Croatian Minister of Defense Mario Banožić (photo: flickr.com/morh-hr)
Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, has resigned the Minister of Defense, Mario Banožić, following a traffic accident with fatal consequences, reports Index.
"I have been informed about the circumstances of the accident, and we express condolences and concern for the minister, who has been hospitalized with serious physical injuries," stated the Prime Minister of Croatia.
He noted that he has authorized the State Secretary, Zdravko Jakop, to perform the duties of the Minister of Defense.
"I have relieved Banožić of his duties, and the State Secretary will be performing the duties of the minister," he added.
Traffic accident involving the Minister of Defense of Croatia
The accident occurred early in the morning on November 11. The district prosecutor's office reported that Banožić's car overtook a truck in the fog, after which the minister collided with a van traveling from the opposite direction. The driver of the second vehicle died as a result of the accident.
Banožić, hospitalized after the crash, is in intensive care. He sustained injuries to the head, chest, and limbs. According to doctors, he does not remember the accident.
