Prosecution investigating who sent meteorologist Mirza Tucaković to his certain death on Bjelašnica

(Patria) - Forty days after the tragic death of meteorologist Mrzo Tucaković (46) in a storm on Bjelašnica, the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office is still working to shed light on the unfortunate event that occurred at the end of December 2024.

Although it was stated in the media that preliminary autopsy results determined that freezing was the cause of death for the Konjic native, the KS Prosecutor's Office states that they have not yet received the coroner's report.

– The KS Prosecutor's Office has not yet received the coroner's report, which means we do not yet know the cause of death. At the same time, the prosecutor is undertaking other actions, specifically, interviewing witnesses and collecting documentation, in order to determine if there are elements of criminal liability in this specific case. It is too early to say at this stage, until the acting prosecutor completes all evidentiary actions – stated Azra Bavčić, spokesperson for the KS Prosecutor's Office, for “Avaz”.

Mirza Tucaković, an employee of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina, disappeared on December 23, 2024, in the midst of the heaviest snowfall while climbing to the meteorological station on Bjelašnica to take over his shift. Rescuers were alerted and, despite extreme weather conditions, continued the search for him, but unfortunately, his body was found on December 27, on the fourth day of the search. Dense fog that reduced visibility and strong wind gusts hampered the search.

This was only Tucaković's second trip to the top of Bjelašnica, where he was transferred from the station in Ivan-sedlo, where he had been working until then, reportedly due to a lack of staff. He last contacted the colleague who was waiting for him at the observatory after getting off the six-seater chairlift, and then became unreachable.
Numerous questions

His death has disturbed the public and raised numerous questions, including those related to possible security lapses. The question arises whether he had adequate equipment for the extremely difficult weather conditions, and who sent him to the observatory in such extreme conditions in the first place.

Immediately after his disappearance, family members claimed that Tucaković was sent to the top of Bjelašnica without adequate equipment.
Assessment of conditions

After his disappearance, Edin Pišme, an employee of the FHMZ, spoke to TVSA, stating that “everyone knows that before deciding to ascend, they must assess the safety conditions and whether it is safe to go to the station”.

– During the ascent, the observer going towards the station and the one already at it communicate with each other to check how far each has progressed. Tucaković reported when he got off the six-seater chairlift, Pišme stated.

However, it remains unclear whether the training, which he is claimed to have completed, was adequate for the weather conditions.

Sent to "certain death"

After Tucaković's disappearance, Fehim Trnka, who is related to the deceased, stated that the FHMZ was aware of Tucaković's poor health condition in the last four years.

– How could you send a person, even though you were aware of the catastrophic weather situation, which has not been remembered for a long time for its wind speed, amount of precipitation, and invisibility due to fog, who had never primarily worked in such dangerous terrain under the given conditions, absolutely did not know it, alone and without adequate escort, assistance, and instructions, to step into the unknown like that? Are you all collectively aware that you sent Mirza to his "certain death" in which even the most trained and skilled mountaineers, athletes, and individuals trained for such terrains would not be able to cope and get out? – Trnka stated.