Split, Croatia—A tourist bus veered off a coastal road Thursday afternoon, killing four passengers instantly. The vehicle was navigating a sharp curve when it lost control and plummeted down a steep embankment. Emergency sirens echoed across the shoreline as ambulances and fire crews raced to the scene.

First responders spent hours extracting survivors from the mangled wreckage of the bus. They transported twelve injured passengers to local hospitals, with three listed in critical condition. The recovery of the deceased proved difficult due to the unstable nature of the rocky terrain.

Local authorities have sealed off the highway to preserve the site for federal investigators. They are currently reviewing the road conditions and the mechanical state of the bus. Preliminary reports suggest the driver lost control after the braking system failed to respond on a tight descent.

The bus was carrying a group of international tourists traveling between popular coastal destinations. A coordination center has been established at a nearby town hall to assist relatives and provide information on the survivors. The site remains under police guard.

Transport officials have begun an emergency audit of all commercial passenger vehicles currently operating on this coastal route. They are questioning the bus company management regarding the vehicle’s maintenance schedule. The road will remain impassable until heavy equipment removes the wreckage.

Witnesses noted that the bus was not speeding, which has directed the inquiry toward mechanical failure or tire blowout. Forensic experts are documenting the skid marks left on the asphalt before the bus departed the road. The atmosphere in the region is one of shock and deep mourning.

Families of the victims are expected to arrive in the country by tomorrow. The government has pledged to provide full support to the affected individuals. No further details about the identification of the deceased will be released until next-of-kin are officially contacted.

The investigation into the cause of the disaster will likely take several days. The coastal highway remains a priority for repair crews who must clear the debris. Officials will provide an update once the site is cleared.