Skopje, 19 April 2025 (MIA) - According to preliminary information, the cause of Friday's traffic accident, in which three people were killed and eight were injured, was excessive speed on the road, Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski said on Saturday. 

"Unfortunately, three people lost their lives in last night's traffic accident. According to the preliminary information I received, it was a case of excessive speeding by one of the participants, who, unfortunately, has passed away," said Toshkovski, who visited the Ohrid police sector on Saturday. 

The accident took place late Friday on the Kichevo-Gostivar road, near Kichevo and the village Trapchin Dol. Ohrid police spokesperson Stefan Dimoski told MIA preliminary information show that three vehicles were involved in the crash. 

The Prosecutor's Office said earlier on Saturday that evidence has been collected from the site of the accident and will be subject to forensic examination, while the bodies of the deceased have been handed over for autopsy and an order has been issued for testing possible presence of alcohol or other substances with the injured.

According to Minister Toshkovski, the number of traffic fatalities in the first quarter of this year is roughly similar to last year. However, he noted, the numbers are catastrophic compared to European standards.

"In the future, we must focus as much as possible on greater traffic order in every aspect, as well as on implementing the "Safe City" project across the country," Toshkovski said.

Photo: print screen