Croatian Defense Minister involved in traffic accident
It has been reported that Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banozic was seriously injured in a traffic accident, and one person lost their life in the crash.
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Croatian Government Spokesperson Marko Milic stated in a statement to local media that Banozic was seriously injured in a traffic accident involving his vehicle near the city of Vinkovci at 06:15 local time, and that the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident lost their life.
Milic said, "He received medical care at the Vinkovci County Hospital and will now be transferred to the Osijek Clinical Hospital Center."
MINISTER BANOZIC DISMISSED FROM OFFICE
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, in a press conference held in the capital Zagreb following the traffic accident, said, "Under these extraordinary circumstances, I have dismissed Banozic from his post as Minister of Defense." Plenkovic stated that State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Zdravko Jakop has been appointed to replace Banozic.
Expressing their sadness over Banozic's health condition, Plenkovic conveyed his condolences to the family of the driver who lost their life in the accident.
A statement from the Vinkovci Prosecutor's Office also noted that Banozic caused the accident as a result of an illegal overtaking maneuver.