An employee of the Zadar Waterworks (Vodovod) died on Sunday morning after falling into a collector for wastewater treatment at the purification plant in Zadar, the Zadar police reported. The report of the accident was received at 9.55, after which all emergency services were dispatched to the scene.

Police officers at the scene are conducting an on-site investigation to determine the circumstances of the fatal accident. The police state that they are continuing to carry out measures and actions within their jurisdiction to establish all relevant circumstances of the event.

Tomislav Matek, the director of the Waterworks, confirmed that this was a serious accident with fatal consequences and emphasised that the company is cooperating with all relevant authorities.

"An investigation is underway at the scene conducted by the relevant authorities, and the company is fully cooperating with the police, the State Attorney's Office and all other relevant services to establish all circumstances of this tragic event," Matek said, as reported by Index.hr citing the Zadarski list.

He added that, out of respect for the deceased worker's family and the ongoing investigation, the company could not provide further information at this time. He extended his condolences to the family and closest relatives, and offered support to the employees.

The mayor of Zadar, Šime Erlić, also expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased worker. "I received the news of the tragic accident today with great sorrow, in which an employee of the Waterworks lost his life at the wastewater treatment plant," Erlić said, adding that the relevant authorities would establish all circumstances of the tragedy.