Zagreb, 10 June 2025 (Hina/MIA) -- Croatia's Justice Ministry confirmed Tuesday that the fire at Bilice Prison in Split most likely started due to mattresses set on fire by inmates. Six inmates remain hospitalized, the ministry said in a statement.

According to preliminary information, on Monday, June 9, around 9:30 p.m., judicial police officers noticed smoke on one of the prison wards, outside a room where nine inmates were located.

Upon opening the door, fire was observed, and the officers immediately began extinguishing it. The fire was quickly put out, and first aid was provided to the inmates until the arrival of emergency medical services and firefighters, the ministry said.

The injured were taken to the Split University Hospital Center. Currently, six persons remain hospitalized there, while three, after examination, were returned to the prison, according to the ministry statement.

Earlier, the Split hospital reported that five inmates were in critical condition due to burns and smoke inhalation and remained in intensive care.

Among them is one foreign national, hospital spokesperson Kristina Bitanga said. The patients are aged between 27 and 41.