Explosion at Former Military Warehouse in Oštarije Claims Life of Demolition Expert Matej Robić, a Man Who Spent 13 Years Defusing Danger
At 11:06 AM, the Karlovac Police Department received a report of an accident at the site of the former Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) barracks in Oštarije, Josipdol municipality. Matej Robić, from Velike Barne near Grubišno Polje, tragically lost his life while defusing explosives. Friends have been leaving heartfelt farewell messages on his Facebook profile, with one friend poignantly recalling how he refused to quit the job despite warnings. “You should have listened to me,” she wrote.
This is not the first tragedy at this location. Eleven years ago, another demolition expert died at the same site. The complex has been out of use since 1996, when the JNA withdrew from Ogulin and destroyed the largest weapons and ammunition depot of the 5th Army District. Explosions that day echoed for hours, and sadly, history has repeated itself.
Matej was an experienced demolition expert with 13 years of service in explosive ordnance disposal. Yet, the dangers of this job remain immense. Explosions continue to threaten the lives of those who work to clear remnants of war and unexploded ordnance. Police have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
This tragedy raises serious questions about the safety and working conditions of demolition experts in Croatia. How is it possible that a fatal accident occurred again at the same site? Are safety measures and procedures adequate? Matej was one of those who have spent years clearing dangerous locations, only to lose his life doing the job he loved and was skilled at.
Friends and family mourn the brave man who gave his life for the safety of others. “Life is so unfair. God, why do you take good people?” reads one farewell message. This tragedy reminds us how important it is to care for and protect those working in hazardous conditions.
If you have similar stories or opinions about demolition expert safety, feel free to share them. Maybe it’s time to take this problem seriously before it’s too late for someone else.
Explosion in Oštarije: Another Tragedy at a Site with a Dark Past
At the site of the former JNA barracks in Oštarije, where a demolition expert died 11 years ago, another explosion today claimed the life of Matej Robić. The complex has long been abandoned, but the danger of unexploded ordnance remains real and deadly.
Matej hailed from Velike Barne, part of Grubišno Polje, and had 13 years of experience in explosive ordnance disposal. Despite the risks, he refused to quit, as confirmed by a friend’s emotional Facebook message. His death is a huge loss to the community and a stark reminder of the risks demolition experts face daily.
Police and relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident. This tragedy again raises questions about the safety and protection of workers in this field. Can such accidents be prevented? Is the state investing enough in the safety and training of demolition experts?
Matej’s death is not just a statistic but a story of a man who bravely and dedicatedly did his job, often in life-threatening conditions. His family and friends mourn, and we are left with questions and a need for change.
If you have something to say on this topic or have worked in similar conditions, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Stories like this must not be forgotten.
Why Do Tragedies Repeat?
Oštarije is not just the site of Matej Robić’s tragedy but a symbol of the dangers lurking in abandoned military locations. Eleven years ago, a demolition expert died at the same place. Has nothing changed? Are safety measures still insufficient?
These questions remain unanswered, but it is clear that demolition work is among the most dangerous. Their courage and dedication deserve respect, but also better protection and working conditions.
Matej’s death is a tragedy that forces us to think about how we treat those who clear dangers from our environment. Will we allow such tragedies to repeat, or will we finally act?
Conclusion
Matej Robić lost his life doing the job he loved and was an expert in. His death is a reminder of the dangers present and the need to improve demolition expert safety. Friends, family, and the community mourn, and we are left with questions and a need for change.
If you have something to say on this topic or have worked in similar conditions, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Stories like this must not be forgotten. Who knows, maybe your word can spark change.
Slug: tragedy-demolition-expert-matej-robic-ostarije
