A NATO missile strikes the bridge at the moment a civilian bus was crossing it. 11 civilians were killed - 10 immediately and one later from injuries.
On 30 May 1999, at 1:00 p.m., one of the greatest tragedies of the bombing took place - the attack on the bridge in Varvarin over the Velika Morava river.
The Double Attack
A NATO aircraft first struck the bridge with a missile at the moment a passenger bus was crossing it. After 10 minutes, when citizens and emergency services arrived to help the injured, a SECOND attack followed - again on the bridge and the people around it.
Victims of the First Attack
10 people were killed on the bus and on the bridge:
- Bata Kalauzi (the bus driver)
- Milica Rakočević (20 years old, a nurse)
- Mirjana Stoiljković (42 years old)
- Danijela Jovanović (15 years old)
- Slavica Savić (35 years old)
- Milenko Petković (58 years old)
- Ljubiša Čonti (44 years old)
- Goca Pavlović (51 years old)
- Tomislav Aleksić (47 years old)
- Emilija Kovačević (67 years old)
Victims of the Second Attack
In the second attack on the rescuers and citizens who were trying to help the injured, one more person was killed and 17 were seriously wounded, including 3 members of the emergency medical service.
War Crime - Targeting Rescuers
The second attack, which targeted the rescuers and citizens who were providing help, is considered a grave war crime under international humanitarian law.
Justice for Varvarin
The families of the victims filed a lawsuit against the NATO countries. In 2013, Germany paid symbolic compensation of 300,000 euros.
Memorial
A monument bearing the names of all those killed was erected at the site of the tragedy. The bridge was reconstructed and named the "Bridge of Love".
Sources
Svedočanstva preživelih
Video zapisi sa lica mesta
Evrospki sud za ljudska prava
Amnesty International
Location
Most preko Velike Morave (Most ljubavi)
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