After yesterday's tragedy on Savin Kuk, when a German citizen died, reactions have arrived today from representatives of local authorities, non-governmental organizations, politicians...
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PNP: Negligence, improvisation and lack of long-term strategy are paying off
The People's Trust Movement expressed its regret and sincere condolences to the family of the young German tourist who lost his life on the Sava River, as well as full support and wishes for the recovery of his wife, who was seriously injured in this accident.
"This tragedy has shaken not only Žabljak, but also the whole of Montenegro. It painfully reminds us of the responsibility we have as a society towards the safety of people who stay and live in our country, especially in tourist centers that should be a symbol of safety, orderliness and professional standards. We demand an urgent, complete and transparent investigation to determine all the causes and circumstances that led to this accident, as well as clear individual and institutional responsibility," the PNP statement said.
They add that the public must receive answers without delay and without cover-ups.
"At the same time, we point out the fact that for decades there has been no systematic investment in tourist and communal infrastructure, nor in safety standards in mountain centers like Savin Kuk. Negligence, improvisation and the absence of a long-term strategy are now paying off, in the most tragic way possible. Žabljak is one of the most important tourist centers in Montenegro and as such must have infrastructure and supervision that are appropriate to that role. Without serious investments, professional management and constant control, such events will, unfortunately, remain a real threat. The People's Trust Movement will insist that clear lessons be drawn from this tragedy and that concrete steps are finally taken to put the safety of citizens and tourists ahead of irresponsibility and long-term neglect. The lives lost at Savin Kuk oblige us to truth, responsibility and change," the statement reads.
HRA: Authorities to urgently review safety standards and oversight of public transport systems in mountain tourist destinations
Deeply shaken by the tragic event on the cable car at Savin Kuk on Durmitor, in which one person lost his life, another was seriously injured, and three were seriously endangered, we call on the competent institutions to urgently review safety standards and supervision of public transport systems in mountain tourist destinations, the non-governmental organization Human Rights Action (HRA) announced.
"This event, most likely caused by a cable car malfunction, points to a serious failure in equipment maintenance, as well as the potential inefficiency of supervision and inspection that should prevent such tragedies. The state has a positive obligation to protect the right to life of all persons on its territory through adequate risk prevention, effective inspection of technical systems and timely response to known dangers. It is now necessary, without cover-up, to professionally determine and publish all the circumstances that led to the tragedy and clearly identify responsibility in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future," the HRA statement posted on Facebook states.
HRA added that according to international standards, the state is obliged to conduct an effective investigation into the cable car accident, which means a prompt, independent and thorough one, and to make its results public, with specific recommendations and measures that will improve the safety of tourist facilities, especially those that pose a risk to human life and health.
"The right to life is not merely declarative – the state is required to take all reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable dangers to human life," the HRA said.
Žugić: It is realistic to expect that a large number of visitors will avoid using the cable car
The President of the Municipality of Žabljak, Radoš Žugić, announced that it is realistic to expect that a large number of visitors will avoid using the cable car.
"It is with deep regret that I received the news yesterday about the accident on Savin Kuk, in which a German citizen lost his life. On behalf of the municipality of Žabljak and on my own behalf, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of the victim, and I wish his injured wife a speedy recovery. This is a difficult and shocking moment for our city and the entire community, because there are no circumstances that can justify the loss of human life," Žugić stressed in a statement.
He added that "at the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that Žabljak lives off tourism and that the safety of guests is the foundation of the trust we have been building for years, which has been seriously shaken by this tragedy."
"It is realistic to expect that a large number of visitors will avoid using the cable car, which directly threatens the winter tourist season and the livelihood of many families who depend on it. That is why we insist on a full and transparent investigation, establishing responsibility and urgent measures that will guarantee maximum safety in the future. Without clear answers and concrete steps, the consequences for tourism and the economy of Žabljak could be long-term and very serious," said Žugić.
He said that, taking the above into account, he will initiate an urgent meeting with representatives of the Government and the Development Bank, all with the aim of creating a systemic response that will enable Žabljak to retain the title of an attractive year-round destination.
"And finally, I would like to publicly thank the members of the Mountain Rescue Service and the Žabljak Protection and Rescue Service, who once again, in a very demanding situation, risking their own lives, saved the lives of others," said Žugić.
TC Durmitor: The cable car where the accident occurred has all the necessary technical and legal documentation for operation
The management and all employees of the Durmitor Tourist Center (TC) are deeply shaken by yesterday's tragic event at the Savin Kuk ski resort, in which a German citizen lost his life, TC Durmitor announced today.
"In these difficult times, we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the victim. The Durmitor Tourist Center is fully cooperating with the Police Directorate and the competent prosecutor's office in order to precisely determine all the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident. We emphasize that the cable car on which the accident occurred has all the necessary technical and legal documentation for operation. Before the start of the winter season, all regular checks and inspections were carried out, in accordance with applicable regulations and safety standards," the statement said.
TC Durmitor added that out of respect for the victim's family and the ongoing investigation, they are unable to provide additional details until the competent authorities have completed their part of the work.
"We owe special thanks to the rescue teams for their professionalism and dedication during the evacuation of three tourists who were on the cable car at the time of the stoppage. The public will be informed of all new official information in a timely manner," said TC Durmitor.
Popović: Authorities to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident and determine full responsibility
"I call on the competent authorities to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident and determine full responsibility, in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future," said Ivan Popović, President of the Žabljak Municipal Assembly (MA).
"Deeply shaken by the tragedy that occurred yesterday at the Savin Kuk ski resort in our municipality of Žabljak, on behalf of the Žabljak Municipal Assembly and on my own behalf, I extend my most sincere condolences to the family of the deceased German citizen Sebastian Hettner. This irreparable loss of a young life leaves us all in pain and grief. At the same time, I wish a speedy and complete recovery to his wife, who suffered serious injuries in the accident, with the hope that medical care and support will enable her to return to health as soon as possible," Popović said in a statement.
He added that "this tragic cable car accident, which has been a subject of concern for years due to insufficient investment in infrastructure maintenance and modernization, reminds us of long-standing failures to invest in key facilities of our tourism potential."
"For years, not enough investment was made in the cable car and the ski resort. The previous owners, and the current owner of the company that manages the Savin Kuk ski resort, did not recognize the potential of the ski resort and did not dedicate enough to investing in the ski resort. It was a matter of days before such an old infrastructure would give way and lead to this outcome. All of us - from local self-government, and mostly through state institutions, to previous and current managers - bear responsibility for this situation, because systemic failures must not be ignored," said Popović.
He said that "however, in these moments of deep sadness, we must not allow the politicization of the tragedy, especially not by those who were part of the previous system and directly responsible for the decades of neglect and underinvestment that led to this state of infrastructure."
"I call on the competent authorities to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident and establish full responsibility, in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Municipality of Žabljak will provide full support to the investigation and the families of the victims. Žabljak remains open to all visitors, and this tragedy obliges us to work together for a better and safer future for our tourist pearl - Durmitor," Popović said.
Pejović: I will submit the initiative for hearing Adžović and representatives of the Development Bank
Independent MP Jevrosima Pejović announced that on Monday, December 22, she will officially submit an initiative to the Anti-Corruption Committee for a control hearing of the Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović and representatives of the Development Bank.
"I express my deepest condolences to the family of the German citizen who died yesterday on Savin Kuk, and I wish his wife a speedy recovery. This tragedy must not be reduced to a mere 'accident', because the loss of human life must never be accepted as a consequence of coincidence when it is clear that it is the result of years of lack of investment, negligence and a complete lack of responsibility on the part of institutions. Unfortunately, the only ones who feel moral responsibility for this Sunday are the people of Durmitor, good hosts, who for decades have not been able to develop their tourism businesses with dignity," Pejović stressed in a statement.
She added that Savin Kuk and the wider Durmitor area have been without adequate infrastructure, clear signage, safety standards and constant supervision for years, despite numerous warnings from experts and the general public.
"Therefore, this tragedy is not a one-day oversight, but a consequence of decades of systemic inaction and someone's interests that have consciously failed to invest for years. That is why I am asking a clear question: who will take responsibility for this tragedy? Who will explain to the victim's family why the state did not do what is its basic duty, to protect human lives? It is time to finally find out whose interest it was in Savin Kuk remaining in a state of neglect and who contributed to this situation. All the circumstances of this tragedy must be fully clarified. That is why tomorrow I will officially submit an initiative to the Anti-Corruption Committee for a control hearing of the Minister of Public Works and representatives of the Development Bank, not only on the issue of responsibility for the loss of human life, but also to clearly determine how this situation came to be, why there were no adequate investments and whether safety standards were ensured," said Pejović.
She said she stands "with the family of the deceased and the injured, but also with her countrymen, sharing the pain, disappointment and anger and expecting an immediate response from the competent authorities, a transparent investigation and concrete measures to ensure that such tragedies never happen again."
"Finally, I am making it clear that local self-government cannot and must not bear the burden and responsibility for decades of inaction by the Government and state institutions. It is time for those responsible to finally be held accountable," said Pejović.
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