A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday in southeastern Albania as a car plunged into the Vjosa River, resulting in the death of all eight individuals onboard.
Among the victims were seven suspected migrants and a local driver, as confirmed by Albanian police.
According to a police statement, the driver lost control of the vehicle around 4 a.m. and veered into the river, which is located approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) southeast of Tirana, the capital city.
The police report mentioned that seven of the deceased were suspected to be migrants from “third countries,” a term commonly used by authorities to refer to migrants.
Regional police chief Ardian Cipa disclosed that the car had ignored a police checkpoint and attempted to flee, leading to a pursuit by a police vehicle.
Ultimately, the car crashed into the river, resulting in the tragic outcome.
Cipa mentioned that the driver is suspected to be from Shkodra, a city in northwestern Albania, while the identities of the other victims are being investigated.
Although Albania is not a primary route for migrants, it is occasionally used by small groups from Arab countries or Asia to reach Italy by sea or neighboring countries by land.
In 2019, Albania became the first non-EU member country to collaborate with the EU’s border agency, Frontex, to manage its borders in the southern and eastern regions, which are common routes for migrants, and to combat cross-border crime.
Additionally, Albania’s Parliament approved a deal in February to host thousands of asylum seekers for Italy.
Source-washingtonpost
