Sarajevo tram drivers demand expert investigation into vehicle malfunction

"We don’t want to send any messages here, neither political nor any others. We only want the case to end justly so that similar things do not happen tomorrow to other citizens or to us drivers. We are truly going through a difficult period where no one considers how drivers are completing their shifts and how they can drive under such psychological pressure," said tram driver Admir Vatres.

The acting prosecutor of the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office has filed a motion with the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo to order a one-month detention for the suspect involved in the recent tram accident which left one dead and and the other victim had to undergo a leg amputation. A total of four people were injoured at the time.

Vatres commented on the technical aspect of the incident involving his colleague, noting that footage suggests the vehicle became uncontrollable. He stated it was impossible for the vehicle to reach such high speeds in such a short period and criticized the decision to propose a one-month detention.

"It is a very frivolous decision, a rushed decision, made quickly to the detriment of an innocent man, an ordinary driver who was just doing his job. We want the truth to be established and justice to be served without any pressure, politically, without leading water to anyone's mill. On Ilidza, the same day, maybe three hours before this case, a tram collision occurred; unfortunately, the material damage was huge, but thank God there were no human casualties, somehow that incident went under the radar," Vatres added.

When asked if drivers are forced to drive faulty trams, he explained the procedure: "When a driver receives a tram, he must go out. Once he is in the depot and receives the tram, he must go out. After some time, of course, if he determines that the tram is faulty, the tram is immediately returned to the garage by the nearest route. As soon as it is determined, of course, no one here is irresponsible."

Vatreš had particular praise for his colleague, Adnan Kasapovic, who is currently in detention.

"I must specifically mention colleague Adnan Kasapovic. He is truly exemplary. Cheerful, hardworking, always smiling. He has done his job responsibly for over 20 years. I even remember when I was just starting, the man only worked this route. Only number 1, line number 1. He and another colleague were synonymous with line number 1. Experts and surveyors should investigate everything, but not superficially or irresponsibly in such a short period, for such an irresponsible decision to be made, for everything to break over his back. I don't want to accuse anyone, I just want everyone to do their job," he concluded.