A devastating road accident in south-eastern Albania has resulted in the loss of eight lives, believed to be migrants, as they journeyed along the Balkan route towards Western Europe. According to reports from the German press agency (DPA), the tragic incident occurred when the vehicle, traveling on a high road above the Vjosa River near the town of Permet, veered out of control and plunged into a ravine, claiming the lives of all eight occupants.
Reuters reported that Authorities have yet to identify the driver, believed to be from North Albania, and are working to ascertain the identities of the other passengers, described as “nationals from third countries,” indicating their likely status as migrants.
The news agency Associated Press (AP) reported that the site of the accident, situated approximately 240 kilometers southeast of the capital Tirana and near the Greek border, is a frequent route used by migrants traversing Albania en route to Western Europe. It serves as a poignant reminder of the perils migrants face undertaking hazardous journeys in search of safety and opportunity.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing a charred and mangled vehicle with bodies strewn along the river’s banks, highlighting the severity of the tragedy.
Albania, a NATO member, has become a key transit point for migrants traveling towards Western Europe. Frontex officers have been stationed in the country since 2019 to assist in managing migration flows and combating cross-border crime.
The country has also entered into bilateral migration agreements with European nations such as Italy and the United Kingdom, including a special deal with Italy to establish migrant processing centers in Albania. This arrangement allows for asylum seekers destined for Italy to be processed in Albania, potentially reshaping migration dynamics in the region.
Despite efforts to regulate migration, Albania remains a crucial waypoint on the Balkan route, with tens of thousands of migrants passing through the country annually, as indicated by European border agency Frontex data.
The tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the risks and challenges faced by migrants on their arduous journeys while also spotlighting Albania’s pivotal role in managing migration flows through the region.