A significant rescue operation is in progress to save two individuals from the rapidly rising Jala River in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Information gathered indicates that the incident began when police pursued two suspects.

During the chase, one suspect fell into the Jala River, which pulled him away. Three police officers and a civilian immediately entered the river to attempt a rescue, but the strong current also carried them away.

Rescue efforts included members from the special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tuzla Canton and firefighters, as reported by Jutarnji list.

They successfully rescued police officer MA, who was then taken to a hospital in Tuzla.

“At approximately 10:30 a.m. today, officers from the Tuzla Canton Police Directorate attempted to stop a vehicle posing a danger to other road users. The vehicle, occupied by two individuals, ignored police orders. One suspect fled and entered the river… With the assistance of a civilian, two police officers managed to escape the water, while one officer and the fleeing suspect were swept away by the rising current and are still unaccounted for. The Police Directorate, Fire Department, Civil Protection units, and Armed Forces are all involved in the search, with assistance from local citizens,” stated the Tuzla Canton Police Department.

Persistent heavy rainfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina since Wednesday has caused significant increases in water levels across many rivers.

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