Signal rocket kills woman (35) at wedding in Šibenik

ZAGREB, 29 September 2025 (Hina/MUP) – A tragic accident in Šibenik on the Croatian coast, where a woman (35) was killed after being struck by a signal rocket at a wedding.

Police released details of the tragedy on Sunday after completing an investigation.

They arrested two men (aged 52 and 38).

“The completed criminal investigation has determined that the 52-year-old suspect in Šibenik, in front of the Cathedral of St. James, during a wedding ceremony, due to incompetent handling, incorrectly activated a flare, which resulted in the injury of a 35-year-old woman, who died from her injuries at the Šibenik General Hospital,” police stated.

The 38-year-old suspect voluntarily handed over two flares, three hand-held flares and three pieces of smoke signals to police officers.

Another serious injury at a weeding in Makarska on the same night, has intensified debate in Croatia over the use of pyrotechnics at public celebrations.

The incidents mark the most serious consequences to date in what police had already warned was a worrying rise in injuries linked to fireworks.

Fireworks at weddings under scrutiny

While pyrotechnics are most visible around Christmas and New Year, police note that weddings are another frequent setting for their misuse.

Fireworks and even firearms are often discharged in celebration, but Saturday’s fatal incident in Šibenik and the serious injury in Makarska have brought renewed urgency to the issue.

Earlier this year, authorities reported that during the Christmas and New Year holidays 13 people were seriously injured and 20 suffered minor injuries due to pyrotechnics.

Among the victims were several children under the age of 14.

Police campaign highlights scale of problem

As part of the “Mir i dobro” campaign, police seized large quantities of dangerous items over the festive season, including:

• 96 firearms

• 5,281 rounds of ammunition

• 10 explosive devices, including bombs

• More than 112,000 pieces of pyrotechnics

They also recorded 155 offences and 14 criminal acts linked to the misuse of fireworks, weapons, and ammunition.

Officers investigated cases of homes and cars being hit by stray bullets, while a total of 813 inspections were carried out – 67 more than the year before.

Growing public pressure for a ban

Animal rights group Prijatelji životinja (Friends of Animals), along with other organisations, has long called for stricter controls. In July, they submitted a petition to the Ministry of the Interior signed by around 40,000 citizens. The petition demands:

• A complete ban on the sale of all pyrotechnics to the public, regardless of type or season

• A year-round ban on the use of fireworks, including at Christmas and New Year

• Heavy fines of up to €10,000 and possible prison terms for serious violations

The groups also propose promoting safer and environmentally friendly alternatives for celebrations, such as light projections.

With Saturday’s tragedy still fresh in public memory, pressure is expected to mount on lawmakers to revisit Croatia’s regulations on fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Advocates say that without firm action, further preventable accidents are inevitable.