Bombing of Bridges and Communications


 

Žeželj Bridge in Novi Sad 

 

       

REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

DISTRICT COURT IN NOVI SAD

Investigative Judge

Detach. No.: Kri-447/99

Date: 26 April 1999

N O V I S A D

 

ON - SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

Made on 26 April 1999, regarding the bombing of the Žeželj Bridge in Novi Sad, which crosses the Danube, connecting the Novi Sad and Petrovaradin side of the city. The on-site investigation is being conducted on the right bank of the Danube, on the Petrovaradin side, on the remains of the said bridge destroyed in the NATO bombing.

 

PRESENT

 

On behalf of the Court:                 On behalf of the Ministry of the Interior

Investigative Judge                                      (Security Station) in Novi Sad:

Jadranka Buljević                                          Operative workers

                                                                         Željko Marjanović

                                                                         Radovan Danilovac

Deputy District Public Prosecutor              Miroslav Laić

Zvezdan Živanov

                                                                         Crime Technicians

                                                                         Kostadin Radovanović

                                                                         \or|e Nikolić

 

On-site investigation began at 9:15 a.m.

 

The scene of the investigation is the right bank of the Danube in Novi Sad, beside the Žeželj Bridge on the Petrovaradin side.

The Žeželj Bridge was completely destroyed as a result of NATO bombing on the night of 26 April 1999. Two teams are conducting the investigation; the second team is conducting the investigation on the left bank of the Danube, on the Novi Sad side.

Viewed from the Petrovaradin side, the bridge has been severed at the point where the structure and the access asphalt strip along the embarkment connect. One section of the bridge, located about 10 meters from the bank protrudes 12-15 meters from the water. The entire remaining bridge structure, in the direction of the Novi Sad side, that is the left bank, from the central support pillar in the middle of the Danube, which has also been destroyed, is entirely submerged in the water. The water pipe and gas pipe, both of which extended along the bridge structure, have been completely destroyed and sunken - only a portion of the pipes, along the very edge of the river bank is visible, while the remainder has sunk.

There are no buildings in the vicinity of the bridge on the Petrovaradin side, within a radius of about 500m. There is no material damage on the houses, some distance away, nor are there any injured persons or casualties.

Small bits of concrete and missile fragments are scattered on the grass, within a radius of about 100m from the bridge.

Due to the fact that the bridge structure has fallen into the river, strong whirlpools and water vortex have been created along the right bank downstream from the bridge, while the water has also created wastal lakes along the left bank. Due to these circumstances, sailing across the Danube in smaller vessels has been greatly impeded. Thus, the remains of the bridge alongside the right bank and the central pillar were photographed from the "Jelica" boat, anchored at a safe distance of 30-40m from the bridge.

Other damage to the bridge on the Petrovaradin side was photographed and video-taped from the bank. The footage and photographs constitute an integral part of this report. The bank alongside the bridge where cement-block and missile fragments are visible has also been photographed and video-taped.

 

On-site investigation was completed at 11:00 a.m.

 

                                                                                         Investigative Judge

L.S.   (sgd) Jadranka Buljević

 

 

That the photostat copy is true to the original, claims and certifies:

 

President of the District Court in Novi Sad

(sgd) Žikica Dronjak

L.S.

"Ostružnica" Bridge 

                       

Kri. No.584/99

 

ON-SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

Drawn up by the Investigative Judge of the District Court in Belgrade on call at the time, on 29 April 1999, regarding the destruction of the new Ostružnica bridge still under construction, located on the 13th kilometer of the left bank of the river Sava, during the aerial bombardment by NATO forces

 

PRESENT AT THE INVESTIGATION:

 

Investigative Judge                             Deputy Chief of the 8th Division

Dušan Slijepčević                                                Criminal Police Department:

                                                                Dragan Ćosić

 

Deputy District Public
Prosecutor in
Belgrade                                                Chief of the Service on Duty

Miroslav Vlajić                                     Dragan Milovanović

 

 

On 25 April 1999, at about 9:00 a.m., I received a telephone call from the Belgrade Police Department in which I was informed that the new bridge on the Sava in Ostružnica had been bombed by NATO forces.

I visited the scene at about 10:00 a.m. that same day, together with members of the Police Department, for the purpose of conducting an investigation.

We did not find members of the Investigation and Operations Division on the scene at the time of our arrival, because they had already completed their work. Thus the investigation team of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia had already compiled its on-scene investigation report, photographed and videotaped the scene. With this on-site investigation report I enclose the report of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, drawn up by Sergeant Major First Class Mileta Šćekić, together with report No. 1313/99 of 29 April 1999.

At the scene we only found Deputy Chief of the 8th Division of the Criminal Police Department, Dragan Ćosić, and Chief of the On-duty Service, Dragan Milovanović, who informed me that the bridge in question was located on the 13th kilometer from the confluence, on the left bank of the Sava and was still under construction. The bridge was 1870m long and 14.40m wide. According to the oral report I received from the mentioned police officers, a yellow VW "Jetta" passenger car, driven by the owner accompanied by one passenger, was traveling along the bridge from the direction of Surčin towards Ostružnica. At the time of impact which caused the bridge to collapse into the water, the passenger car had proceeded on the bridge as far as the first support pillar attached to the river bed. The driver sustained severe injuries and is presently being treated in the Belgrade Emergency Center, while the passenger died on the spot. With this investigation report I enclose the investigation report of the Investigation and Operations Division, drawn up by Sergeant Major First Class Mileta Šćekić on 29 April 1999, which reveals the identity of the passengers in question.

Based on visual observation the investigative judge has ascertained that the bridge in question is new, that it has a steel structure and that the roadway and the entire bridge in fact has been paved with asphalt. The only procedure left to be done before putting the bridge into operation was to paint it. A 200 meter-long section of the bridge which stretches from the first to the second support pillars, both of which were attached to the river bed on the Surčin side, collapsed into the water. This section is in fact the longest span on the bridge between two concrete pillars. Damage of the steel structure and metal fence located between the third and fourth support pillars on the right hand-side of the bridge is clearly visible. Two irregularly-shaped holes, 90x70cm in diameter are visible on the bridge, between the third and fourth support pillars, as well as damage to the asphalt base, that is the roadway about 10m long. Damaged green and yellow missile fragments have been found near the two holes, on the section of the bridge which is still suspended above the river.

The scene has been photographed and videotaped. Photo-documentation and the above reports are an integral part of this on-site investigation report.

On-site investigation was completed at 10:20 a.m.

 

                                                                                         Investigative Judge

                                                                                         (sgd) Dušan Slijepčević

 

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Secretariat of the Interior in Belgrade

CRIMINAL POLICE DEPARTMENT

Investigation and Operations Division

No.: 1313/99

Date: 29 April 1999

B E L G R A D E

 

REPORT

 

On 29 April 1999, at about 2:30 a.m. in Ostružnica, Belgrade, NATO forces bombed the new Ostružnica bridge, causing a 200 meter-long section of the structure to collapse into the river. The destroyed section spanned between the first and second pillars, both of which were attached to the river bed on the Surčin side. At the time of the attack a VW "Jetta" passenger car with Banja Luka registration plates No. 799-M-690 was proceeding along the bridge. The passenger car was driven by the owner, Nikola Vranjković, father's name Dušan, born 18 January 1963 in Grahovo, with residence in Obrenovac, No.2 Grobljanska Street, who was accompanied by a passenger, Nebojša Arsić, father's name Radomir, born 23 January 1964 in Turjane, Municipality of Bojnik, with residence in Obrenovac, No.2 Crvenog Krsta Street, Identification No. 2301964714018. Nebojša Arsić died on the spot from the injuries he had sustained during the attack. His death was established on the scene at 6:30 a.m. by Emergency Service physician Dr. Aleksandar Marinković. The physician issued a written confirmation regarding the incident which is enclosed to this report. By order of the investigative judge on duty of the District Court in Belgrade, Dušan Slijepčević, the body of the deceased Arsić was transported to the Institute for Forensic Medicine where an autopsy will be performed. The driver Nikola Vranjković was transported in an ambulance van to the Emergency Center where Dr. Zečević ascertained severe bodily injuries: fractured ribs, fracture of the right leg, right side of the pelvic bone, left arm and injuries to the head. After medical aid had been administered, Vranjković was retained in the "B" Shock Ward for further treatment. The above passenger car has been completely destroyed, however the material damage has not yet been established. A number of items have been found on the deceased Arsić's person, among which are: an "Ericsson" cell phone; Identification Card and driver's license in his name; traffic license for a VW "Golf" passenger car, Reg. No. BG 351-814; 165 liters-worth of diesel fuel coupons as well as 570.00 Dinars in cash, which will all be handed over to his next of kin.

An interview with the injured Nikola Vranjković was conducted on 29 April 1999 in the "B" Shock Ward. During the interview Mr. Vranjković stated that on the night in question he was returning from Surčin to Obrenovac with his friend Nebojša Arsić. As they were proceeding along the bridge at about 2:30 a.m., Mr. Vranjković stated that he suddenly heard a loud explosion and saw light immediately afterwards, at which point his vehicle fell on the bank of the Sava river, together with a section of the bridge. That was when he lost consciousness and he cannot remember anything after that point.

Crime Technician Marko Pejović photographed the body and the scene in the condition in which they were found.

 

ENCLOSURE:

On-site Investigation Report                                       Sergeant Major First Class

                                                                                         (sgd) Mileta Šćekić

Republic of Serbia

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Secretariat of the Interior

CRIMINAL POLICE DEPARTMENT

Investigation and Operations Division

No.: /

Date: 29 April 1999

B E L G R A D E

 

REPORT

 

On 29 April 1999, at about 2:30 a.m. in Ostružnica, Belgrade, NATO forces bombed the new Ostružnica bridge, located on the 13th kilometer of the left bank of the river Sava. The 1870 meter-long and 14.40 meter-wide bridge was still under construction. The bridge was struck with a number of missiles.

The attack damaged the bridge and caused a 200 meter-long section of the metal structure to fall into the water. The said section was located between the first and second support pillars, both of which were attached to the river-bed, on the Surčin side. The bombing also damaged the steel structure and metal fence on the right hand-side of the bridge, between the third and fourth support pillars. Two irregularly-shaped holes 90x70cm in diameter are also visible on the bridge, along with damage to the asphalt base, that is the roadway, stretching for 10m. The said metal fence and steel structure under it are severely damaged and torn.

At the time the bridge collapsed into the water, a yellow VW "Jetta" passenger car, with Banja Luka license plates No. 799-M-690 appeared on the bridge at the first support pillar attached to the Sava river-bed. Two people rode in the car; the driver and owner, Nikola Vranjković, father's name Dušan, born 18 January 1963 in the village of Stožište, Municipality of Grahovo, residing in Obrenovac at No.2 Grobljanska Street; and a passenger, Nebojša Arsić, father's name Radomir, born 23 January 1964 in Bojnik, residing in Obrenovac, No.2 Crvenog Krsta Street. The passenger car, together with a section of the bridge fell from a height of about 20m on the left bank of the Sava, at which time Nebojša Arsić died on the spot, while Vranjković sustained severe bodily injuries. Vranjković later remained at the Emergency Center "B" Shock Ward for further treatment.

Crime technician Marko Pejović photographed the scene in the condition in which it was found.

 

ENCLOSURE:

On-site Investigation Report                                       Sergeant Major First Class

                                                                                         (sgd) Mileta Šćekić

 

MINUTES OF ON-SITE INVESTIGATION

 

Drawn up on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Secretariat of the Interior in Belgrade, based on Art. 154. paragraph 2 in connection with Art. 238 of the Law on Criminal Procedure

 

Belgrade-Ostružnica, new Ostružnica bridge            Date: 29 April 1999

(location of the on-site investigation)

 

Investigation undertaken by authorized official:

Mileta Šćekić and Crime Technician Marko Pejović

 

Before the investigation commences, the following is ascertained:

 

Visit to the scene conducted on received information that: NATO forces bombed

the new Ostružnica bridge                                           Date: 29 April 1999, at 2:30 a.m.

 

Present at the on-site investigation:                          /

 

On-site investigation began at 7:00 a.m.

 

On-site investigation ascertained the following:

The bridge in question is located on the 13th kilometer from the confluence, on the left bank of the river Sava and is still under construction. The bridge is 1870m long and 14.40m wide. A 200 meter-long section of the bridge which spanned between the first and second support pillars, attached to the river-bed, has fallen into the water. Damage of the steel structure and metal fence, located on the right-hand side of the bridge between the third and fourth support pillars attached to the river-bed is also clearly visible. The section between the third and fourth pillars is also the location of two irregularly shaped holes 90x70cm in diameter and damage to the asphalt base, that is the roadway 10m long. Damaged green and yellow missile fragments were found on the bridge in the vicinity of the two mentioned holes. One of the missile fragments has an inscription and number on it which read: BRUCE ON MK-84, WING ASSEMBLY, 96214 ASSU 872129-1, Serial No. 78-402 792, 75/78.

A tumbled yellow VW "Jetta" passenger car with Banjaluka license plates No. 799-M-690 was found in the rubble of a section of the bridge which collapsed onto the asphalt strip, on the left bank of the Sava. Damage to the roof and frontal part is visible. The body of Nebojša Arsić was found beside the wreck.

 

                                                                                         Sergeant Major First Class

                                                                                         (sgd) Mileta Šćekić

 

 

"Sarajevo" Bridge the Grdelica Gorge  (photos 17­8)  

       

Road Bridge and Railway Bridge on the Toplica River near the Village of Podina  (photos 19­11)  

                                    

The Bridge near the Village of Lužani

A bridge across the river Lab on the main Priština-Niš road, near the village of Lužani, municipality of Podujevo, was bombed on 1 May 1999, at 1:40 p.m. At the time of the attack a "Nišekspres" coach, full of passengers, among whom were women and children, was proceeding along the bridge. The coach was directly struck and cut in two. At the time 39 passengers were killed, while 13 passengers sustained severe bodily injuries. (photos 14­24)

                                                             

                             

 

The Bridge on the Rasina in the Village of Dedina  

                

 

The Bridge on the Toplica near Podina - Second Attack 

              

Savine Vode

The regional road Peć-Kula-Rožaje was targeted on 3 May 1999, between 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with three cruise missiles and a number of cluster bombs. At the time of the attack a "\akovica prevoz" coach full of passengers was travelling along the said road on the \akovica-Podgorica line. On that occasion 17 people were killed and 44 passengers sustained light and severe bodily injuries. (photos 29­36)

                                           

               

The Railway Bridge near Vatin

On 6 May 1999, at 11:20 p.m., the railway bridge across the Moravica River in the vicinity of Vatin and the border crossing towards Romania was struck with two missiles. The bridge was struck directly and collapsed into the river. The railway track on that section was completely destroyed, as well as the power and telephone lines along the railway track. Family houses in the town of Vatin were also damaged. (photos 37­38)

       

The Railway Bridge near Bogutovac

On 8 May 1999, at 2:30 a.m., the metal railway bridge across the Lopatnica river at Bogutovac, municipality of Kraljevo, on the Kraljevo-Kosovo Polje railway line, was struck with two missiles and destroyed. The road bridge across the said river, on the Kraljevo-Raška road was also damaged at the time. Due to the detonations a number of buildings in the center of the town of Bogutovac were damaged, among which were a few private restaurants, shops and the "Studenica" Health Center Outpatient Clinic, the Cultural Center and a number of family houses. (photos 39­40)

         

Kri. No. 25/99

 

INVESTIGATION REPORT

 

Made on May 9, 1999 by Jagoda Radosavljević, investigative judge on duty from Kraljevo District Court, concerning two missile attacks by the NATO Alliance forces on the village of Bogutovac, Kraljevo municipality, launched on May 8, 1999

 

INVESTIGATIVE JUDGE,

Jagoda Radosavljević   Authorized police officers of the Ministry of the                                                                           Interior, Kraljevo Secretariat

                                                         Mirko Marković

                                                         Dragan Vićentijević

 

                                                                                         Crim.inv. technicians of Kraljevo

                                                                                         Secretariat

                                                                                         Miloš Vojinović

                                                                                         Dušan Bradarić

                                                                                         Miodrag Djordjević

 

The investigation began at 8:00 a.m., May 9, 1999.

 

In the course of the attack by NATO Alliance forces on May 8, 1999, at 2:30 a.m., a railway bridge on the Belgrade-Kraljevo-Kosovo Polje railway line was hit by three missiles. The bridge is located in the village of Bogutovac, Kraljevo municipality, by the kilometre marker post 101 + 498, over the river Lopatnica, immediately before its confluence with the river Ibar. The bridge is 60 metres long and made of metal structure. The impact broke the bridge in two places - on the northern and southern parts - and the tracks are severed from the bridge. Most part of the structure is in the water, whereas its southern section collapsed on the right river bank of the Lopatnica. The railway tracks are totally wrecked and unusable. The buttresses on both northern and southern parts of the bridge were torn down.

A road bridge runs parallel with the railway bridge over the same river as part of the Kraljevo-Raška highway. The bridge has a concrete fence the largest part of which is demolished on the left-hand side facing Raška, while visible circular and rectangular traces of damage are visible on the right-hand side. Rock fragments and other materials are scattered all over the driving lanes of the highway, as a result of the bombing of the bridge.

MILAN KOVAČEVIĆ from Bogutovac eye-witnessed the event.

On May 8, 1999, at 2:25 p.m., NATO forces attacked the village of Bogutovac, Kraljevo municipality, again. Two missiles hit the Bogutovac railway station. The railway station is built of solid material and its southern wing is completely destroyed. In the southern wing were the flats of the Railway Company workers employed at the Bogutovac railway station: Stojan Antović, the station master, and Milovan Nikolić, the train dispatcher. The remaining part of business premises is damaged to such an extent that the railway station has been rendered unserviceable. A crater made by the missile can be seen to the south of the demolished residential part of the railway station, which is partly covered with rocks, bricks and other construction material. There is a fragment of the exploded missile in the close proximity of the crater.

MIROSLAV MATOVIĆ from Bogutovac eye-witnessed the event.

On May 8, 1999, on two separate occasions - at 2:30 a.m. and 2:25 p.m. ­ NATO forces launched missiles on the railway bridge on the river Ibar, in the village of Bogutovac, Kraljevo municipality, situated by the kilometre marker post 103 + 431 on the Belgrade-Kosovo railway line. During the attack on May 8, 1999, at 2:30 a.m., one missile hit the left river bank of the Ibar and made a crater of about 5 m in diameter. The detonation stripped off and projected the bridge metal sheathing, the pieces of which caused the damage and are scattered all over the bridge structure. In the attack that took place on the same day at 2:25 p.m., a missile hit and damaged the right lateral section of the bridge facing Kosovo Polje. The bridge was not torn down as a result of the missile assault.

The attacks launched on May 8, 1999, at 2:30 a.m. and 2:25 p.m., inflicted damage on a large number of residential and other civilian buildings in the village of Bogutovac.

The following civilian buildings were damaged: a building in which the Bogutovac local health station and the flat of Milan Kovačević were situated on the ground floor and the first floor respectively; Bogutovac ward of the Kraljevo veterinarian station which comprises the flat of Bora Pavlović; administration building of the public enterprise for forest management "Srbija šume", forest compound Stolovi ­ Bogutovac forest management building, with the flats of Radosav Bojović and Milosav Miletić on the upper floor; post office building housing the flat of Radomir Korićanac, an employee of the PTT Srbija; the building housing the premises of the Bogutovac local authorities and collective farm, including the flats owned by Miljojko Novaković, Radovan Lukić, Petar Tomić, Mira Sretenović, Ljubinko Aleksić and Miodrag Matović.

Apart from the above mentioned, numerous other civilian buildings were damaged in the attack, such as: privately owned restaurants, shops and other service trade facilities.

In addition to the railway station and the two railway bridges, the total of 74 buildings were damaged, the majority of which are family houses. Thus, 98 persons sustained damage of their family houses, flats, privately owned business and other premises. All those facilities located in Bogutovac and in the vicinity of the railway station and the two bridges on the rivers Lopatnica and Ibar have damaged roof tiles, roof structures, doors and all window panes, facades, cracked walls, demolished furniture, cracked and fallen-off ceilings, damaged merchandise and two vehicles: "Alpha Romeo" passenger car, registration plates No. KV 122-339 and "Fiat Dali" truck, registration plates No. KV 126-621, both owned by Milan Pantović from Bogutovac. The vehicles have broken glasses and visible traces of damage on the metal parts caused by missile fragments.

The names of the persons and the detailed description of all residential, civilian and other buildings are given in the report prepared by the authorized officers of the police department, Kraljevo Secretariat, who attended the investigation, which report constitutes an integral part of this Investigation Report.

Also attached as an integral part of this Report are photo files of the criminal investigation division of the police department, Kraljevo Secretariat, No. 571/99.

 

The investigation ended at 10:30 a.m.

 

                                                                         INVESTIGATIVE JUDGE ON DUTY

                                                                         (sgd) Jagoda Radosavljević  

 

 

The Bridge on the Nišava in Niš 

         

The Bridge on the Velika Morava near Mijatovac

       

The Post Office Building in Užice

             

The Flyover near Velika Plana

               

The Bypasses near Čačak

 

               

 

The Bridge on the Lim, Prijepolje

 

   

The Flyover near Horgoš

On May 11, 1999, at 10:40 p.m., the Horgoš flyover on the E-75 motorway was bombed. One missile hit and damaged the flyover. The nearby houses were also damaged by the detonation. (photos 55­56)

         

The Bridge in Kokin Brod

        

The Bridge in Murino

       

The Bridge in Vrbas

   

The Flyover in Visoko near Kuršumlija

   

The Flyover near Trupalske Woods

On May 14, 1999, one missile hit the flyover on the Belgrade­Leskovac highway, in the region of Trupale village, Niš municipality. Both flyover lanes collapsed on the railway tracks causing vast damage and suspension of both road and railway traffic. (photos 66­67)

 

PU 385/99   

   

The Bridge in Vladičin Han

 

               

The Bridge over the River Stari Begej in Banatski Dvor

 

     

The Bridge over the River Jasenica in Velika Plana (21 May 1999)

   

OFFICIAL MEMO

 

Made on May 22, 1999 by an authorized officer of Velika Plana Police Department, regarding the NATO bombing of the bridge over the river Jasenica in Velika Plana, the area of Veliko Orašje village, which took place on May 21, 1999, at 11:15 a.m.

On May 21, 1999, at 11:15 a.m., NATO planes targeted the bridge over the Jasenica with 4 missiles. The 129 metres long bridge is situated on the Belgrade-Niš motorway, next to the kilometre marker post 670 + 600 m. Due to the said incident, Živan Djurišić, an investigative judge of the Velika Plana Municipal Court, accompanied by authorized officers of the Velika Plana police department, carried out an on-site investigation. These are the findings of the investigation:

The total of 4 aircraft missiles were fired, two of which hit the bridge: one hit the right driving lane of the Niš-Belgrade motorway causing the collapse of 19 metres of the bridge structure; the other one hit the left driving lane of the Belgrade-Niš motorway bridge. A third missile fell onto an open space in the nearby field, 30 metres from the right edge of the bridge Niš-Belgrade, forming a crater 8 m deep and 20 m in diameter. A fourth missile fell into the black locust grove in the area of Veliko Orašje village, 300 m to the north-west from the mentioned bridge, viewed from the direction Velika Plana-Smederevo. The missile made a crater 6 m deep and 15 m in diameter. A missile fragment was found close to it, bearing the following mark: "TRW-CINCH 2302509132". Criminal investigation police technicians, Zoran Gašić and Srboljub Živković, performed measurements in the surrounding space and the crater itself and detected no radioactivity in the area.

The bombing injured one person. His name is Slobodan Nikolić, father's name Jovan, born on April 3, 1935 in Veliko Orašje, residing in Veliko Orašje, No. 130 Šumadijska St., ID No. 0304935761513, a pensioner. At the time of the bombing he was in the field near the bridge. He was taken to the general hospital "Stefan Visoki" in Sm. Palanka and admitted to the orthopaedic ward under the protocol No. 870-0. Medical examinations proved that he had sustained severe injuries consisting of a fracture of the left upper arm from the fall caused by the detonation blast.

The criminal police investigation technicians from V. Plana also made photos and sketches of the spot and filmed it for the record.

Attachment: Official Memo made by Milutin Obradović referring to the damage inflicted on industrial facilities.

 

                                                                                         AUTHORIZED OFFICER

                                                                                         Sergeant Major First Class

                                                                                         (sgd) Borivoje Kostadinović

 

TO: POLICE DEPARTMENT

VELIKA PLANA

 

OFFICIAL MEMO

 

Made on May 21, 1999 with respect to the material damage on private houses in Veliko Orašje, inflicted by NATO warplanes on May 21, 1999, at approximately 11:00 a.m.

 

On May 21, 1999, at approximately 11:00 a.m. NATO warplanes fired four missiles at the flyover on the river Jasenica on the Belgrade-Niš motorway. Due to the bombing, the below listed private property sustained the following damage:

 

1. DRAGOSLAV PAVLOVIĆ, Veliko Orašje, No. 6 Vinogradska St. - one square metre of glass was broken on the family house terrace.

 

2. BORIVOJE LAZIĆ, Veliko Orašje, No. 129 Šumadijska St. - 1.5 square metres of glass was broken by the detonation on two windows.

 

3. ANDJELKA SAVIĆ, Veliko Orašje, No. bb Šumadijska St. - one square metre of the family house window pane was broken by the detonation.

 

4. LJUBIŠA MATAKOVIĆ, Veliko Orašje, No. 51 Železnička St. - 2 square metres of the two family house window panes have cracked from the detonation.

 

 

VELIKA PLANA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         MEMO MADE BY:

May 21, 1999                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         First Sergeant

                                                                                                         (sgd) Milutin Obradović

 

The Bridge over the River Jasenica in Velika Plana (26 May 1999)

   

 

 

OFFICIAL MEMO

 

Made on May 27, 1999 by an authorized officer of Velika Plana Police Department, regarding the NATO bombing of the area of Velika Plana on May 26, 1999, around 1:15 a.m.

On May 26, 1999, around 1:15 a.m., the bridge over the river Jasenica in Velika Plana was hit by one NATO missile. The bridge is situated in the area of the village of Veliko Orašje, next to the kilometre marker post 670 + 600 m on the Belgrade-Niš motorway. The bridge had already been a target on three separate occasions.

On the said day, another NATO missile was fired and hit the left driving lane of the Belgrade-Niš motorway, causing an 18 m long damage, measured from the bridge edge, in the direction of Niš.

The on-site investigation was carried out by Živan Djurišić, investigative judge of the Velika Plana Municipal Court, together with authorized officers of the Velika Plana police and in the presence of Milorad Rajić, the municipal public prosecutor.

On the same night (May 26, 1999), around 1:15 a.m., NATO planes dumped two aircraft fuel tanks. One of them fell at the distance of 1,050 m from the Jasenica bridge in the direction of Belgrade, and 30 m from the edge of the Belgrade-Niš motorway. The said tank bore the following inscription: "TRESTLING AREA TANK EMPTY NOM. 2250 LITRE EXTERNAL FUEL TANK PART. 5041000 SERIAL NO. FRTR 1532 STOCHO. N.S.N 1560-99-349-4900 SUPPLIER. U 1918 MOD STD. MA04249 04744 NOM. CENTRE SECTION ASSEMBLY 1558 PART. 5031002 SERIAL NO. FRTR 1545."

Another NATO aircraft fuel tank was found on the driving lane of the Belgrade-Niš motorway, 450 m from the above mentioned one, including two parts of the same tank found on the right-hand side of the motorway, bearing the following inscription: "TRANSMITTER GAGE FUEL NSN PN 23101-01 SN 253204 SPECNO SP-P-56602 MOD KURT EICHWEBER PRAZISONSGERA TEWERK 2000 HAMBURG 50 MFR CODE D2277 PRACITECHNIK."

A missile and fragments of the missile engine were found in the area of the village of Krnjevo, "Bare" farmland, 150 m from the edge of the Belgrade-Niš motorway, in the field of Miodrag Petrović from Krnjevo. The impact made a crater 1 m deep and 2 m in diameter. The missile had the mark "EB 02019" and its flap bore the following inscription: WING BSU - 59 3000 MFR S/N." The missile was deactivated and destroyed on the spot by the Yugoslav military, Lieutenant-Colonel Risto Jevdjenijević and his demolition squad.

By measuring the radiation level performed by the Velika Plana criminal investigation police technicians, Zoran Gašić and Srboljub Živković, no radioactivity was detected in the area. The site was filmed for the record.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                         AUTHORIZED OFFICER

                                                                                         Sergeant Major First Class

                                                                                         (sgd) Borivoje Kostadinović

PU 396/99

 

OFFICIAL MEMO

 

Made on May 27, 1999 by an authorized officer of Velika Plana Police Department concerning the discovery made on May 26, 1999 of the NATO-fired missiles and parts of missile engines in the area of Velika Plana municipality.

On May 26, 1999, around 1:15 p.m., two aircraft bombs - parts of the NATO missile engines were dropped in the area of the villages of Miloševac and Lozovik. Due to this incident, an on-site investigation was conducted by Živan Djurišić, investigative judge of the V. Plana Municipal Court, accompanied by authorized officers of the V. Plana police department.

The investigation confirmed that one of the said missiles fell in the area of Miloševac village, "Štrbnik" farmland, in the field owned by Živoslav Nikolić from Miloševac, No. 2 Partizanska St. A crater 1 m deep and 2 m in diameter was made by the missile bearing the following inscription: "AVIO BOMBS WING BSU-59/B 30003-404AS4827 MFR 96214 (K) S/N RUN 712893 ECO90-19." It was destroyed on the spot by the Yugoslav military, i.e. Lieutenant-Colonel Risto Jevdjenijević and a Yugoslav Army demolition squad.

On the same day (May 26, 1999), around 1:15 p.m., another NATO missile - part of the missile engine fell in the area of the village of Lozovik, "GAJ" farmland, in the field owned by Stanimir Tufegdžić from Lozovik. It fell at the distance of 800 m from the right edge of the Belgrade-Niš motorway and formed a crater 1 m deep and 2 m in diameter. The said missile - part of the missile engine bore the following marks: "FIN BSU-60/B 30003 SY704AS4890 MFR 96214 (D) S/N PVN 208198".

The criminal investigation police technician, Srboljub Živković, measured the level of radioactivity and detected none. The missile was destroyed on the spot by the Yugoslav military, i.e. Lieutenant Colonel Risto Jevdjenijević and a Yugoslav Army demolition squad.

 

There were no other effects, nor any injured or killed persons.

 

                                                                                         AUTHORIZED OFFICER

                                                                                         Sergeant Major First Class

                                                                                         (sgd) Borivoje Kostadinović

  The Cerkavički Bridge on the River Jablanica

           

The Cerkavički Bridge on the River Jablanica

            

The Railway Tracks in the Village of  Popovac

       

The Bridge and Motorwaz near the Village of  Popova

                         

The Prizren­Brezovica Road  

 

On May 30, 1999, at 4:30 p.m., NATO warplanes attacked the road from Prizren to Brezovica at the time when a group of reporters, led by philosopher and writer Daniel Shiffer, was travelling on the road. The crew consisted of two women journalists from Great Britain and five journalists from Portugal, including two drivers. One of the drivers, Nebojša Radojević (born 1961), was killed in the attack, while Daniel Shiffer and Eve Prentice, the "Times" reporter from London, Great Britain, suffered minor injuries.

 

Kri. 843/99

 

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

Taken on 23 June 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Belgrade, in the criminal proceedings against unknown persons for committing a criminal act referred to in Art. 141 of the Penal Code of Yugoslavia.

Investigative Judge                                                      Witness

Ilija Simić                                                                         Nenad Golubović

Court Clerk                                                                     Also present at the testimony are:

Stana Mitrić                                                                    Public Prosecutor

 

                                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                                         The Accused

 

                                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                                         Defense Counsel

 

                                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

 

 

The hearing began at 9:30 a.m.

 

It was brought to the attention of the witness that it is his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or next of kin to disgrace considerable material damage, or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1)

Name and family name

Nenad Golubović

2)

Father's name

Vlajko

3)

Occupation

economist

4)

Address

Čačak, Braće Glišića St. No. 12

5)

Place of birth

Čačak

6)

Date of birth

4 May 1961

7)      Relation to the accused or the wronged party ­

 

With regard to the case, the witness stated the following:

 

The witness has been warned that it is his duty to tell the truth, and he gave the following statement in response to the questions of the investigative judge:

I have my own private company and I am a friend of the Frenchmen Daniel Shiffer, who wanted to visit Kosovo and Metohija with a group of foreign journalists to acquaint themselves with the situation in the Province.

To that end, I left with my friend, now late Nebojša Radojević, in two cars for Kosovo and Metohija on Friday, 28 May 1999. We were accompanied by three Portuguese journalists, one Englishwoman and one Italian, all journalists.

We first visited Kosovska Mitrovica, then Priština, from where we planned to go to Prizren. We left for Prizren over Mt. Brezovica and on Sunday, 30 May, when we came to Rečani, we learned that the tunnel, situated at a distance of 6 km from Prizren, was demolished a day before by NATO bombing and that we would not be able to pass through the tunnel by car but instead that we could drive to the tunnel and from there go on foot to Prizren. We did so. When we reached the tunnel which was buried and did not render passage possible, Nebojša Radojević stayed behind with the two cars to wait for us, while I walked with Shiffer and five journalists around the tunnel and farther, to Prizren, where we stayed until the afternoon. We had transportation provided for us from Prizren to the tunnel. When our group walked around the demolished tunnel, we found ourselves in the space between that buried tunnel and another tunnel in the opposite direction from Prizren, on the damaged road. Suddenly, an airplane followed by another flew over and we heard four explosions, which were a few minutes apart. Stones flew all around us. Fortunately, I was not injured, but was only bruised. However, Daniel Shiffer sustained broken right arm and broken left fourth rib. Portuguese journalist Elsa Maruyo was injured in the right shin, without fracture. The English journalist Eve Prentice was also slightly injured in the leg. All the others in the group were badly bruised, like myself, our clothes were torn and destroyed, and we were all covered with a thick layer of dust.

When I pulled myself together, at the entrance of the tunnel facing Rečani, a few dozen yards from where we were injured, I saw my car Toyota Carina E, license plate ČA 131-478, which was totally demolished (I had to abandon this car, because the damage was 100%) and in this car I saw Nebojša Radojević. Blood was running from his head, and the back of his head was blown off, so that the brain was exposed. He did not give any signs of life. The late Nebojša Radojević was the tourist manager in the company Comet Travel, he lived in Belgrade, in Zage Malivuk Street No. 5. He left behind a wife and a 7-year old son.

We were all given first aid in the military field hospital in the village of Lokvica.

I was left without a car worth DM 20,000.

I have photographs taken by the Italian journalist who was in my company and have footage taken by Carlos Pinote, who works for Portuguese television.

Some 15 minutes after we had been injured and when these 4-5 missiles had struck, I returned to the spot with a physician whom I met accidentally, because that doctor was dispatched to help us. When we came close to my car in which Nebojša lay dead, we were bombed again with two missiles. They were aiming at the car in which I was with the physician whose name is Goran. It was a white Mercedes ambulance. However, given the confusion and my state of mind at that time, I cannot ascertain whether the car was marked with a red cross or not. We had to run away when the first missile struck and I have an impression that we only just saved ourselves from being hit.

After that, we took Nebojša, who was not giving any signs of life, from the car.

That is all I have to say. I listened to the minutes being dictated aloud, I recognize them as mine and sign them without objection.

 

Concluded at 10:30 a.m.

(signed by witness)

Court clerk                                                                                      Investigative judge

(signed)                                                                                           (signed)

 

Kri. 843/99

 

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

Taken on 24 June 1999 before the investigative judge of the District Court in Belgrade, in the criminal proceedings against unknown persons for committing a criminal act referred to in Art. 141 of the Penal Code of Yugoslavia.

Investigative Judge                                                      Witness

Ilija Simić                                                                         Miodrag Radojević

Court Clerk                                                                     Also present at the testimony are:

Stana Mitrić                                                                    Public Prosecutor

 

                                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                                         The Accused

 

                                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

                                                                                         Defense Counsel

 

                                                                                         ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

 

 

The hearing began at 10:00 a.m.

 

It was brought to the attention of the witness that it is his duty to tell the truth and not to withhold anything; he was warned of the consequences of giving false testimony. He was also warned that he is under no obligation to answer specific questions likely to expose himself or next of kin to disgrace, considerable material damage, or prosecution (Art. 229 of the Law on Criminal Procedure). The witness answered the general questions as follows:

1)

Name and family name

Miodrag Radojević

2)

Father's name

Života

3)

Occupation

pensioner

4)

Address

Belgrade, Grčića Milenka St. No. 4-b

5)

Place of birth

Gornji Milanovac, village of Brusnica

6)

Date of birth

10 May 1933

7)      Relation to the accused or the wronged party ­

 

With regard to the case, the witness stated the following:

 

The witness has been warned that it is his duty to tell the truth, and he gave the following statement in response to the questions of the investigative judge:

I am the father of now late Nebojša Radojević, who was born on 17 October 1961 in Belgrade. His mother's name is Ljiljana Mijatović.

Nebojša was my only child. He lived in a separate household with his wife and an 8-year old son. He lived in Belgrade, Zage Malivuk St. No. 5.

My son was in the tourist business and spoke five foreign languages. Therefore, he was engaged by the Press Center as an interpreter for foreign journalists who have been coming to our country lately.

My son went to Kosovo in this capacity on a number of occasions and happened to be there on 30 May 1999, to accompany a group of foreign journalists and Daniel Shiffer, when he was killed.

I heard of my son's death incidentally on television, the same day, 30 May 1999, in the evening. Actually, in the transcript from the Death Registrer, a copy of which I enclose, 31 May is written as the date of his death, which is incorrect, because he lost his life a day earlier.

I heard the details of how my son lost his life from Nenad Golubović, who was my son's friend and who was with him near Prizren when my son lost his life.

As I have already mentioned, the late Nebojša was my wife's and my own only child, he took care of us, particularly in view of our impaired health, so that his death is a great loss for us in this respect too.

That is all I have to say, I listened to the minutes being dictated aloud, I do not want to read them, I accept them as mine and sign them without objection.

 

Concluded at 10:30 a.m.

(signed by witness)

Court clerk                                                                                      Investigative judge

(signed)                                                                                           (signed)

 

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Municipality of Priština

 

 

DEATH CERTIFICAT

 

Issued according to the Death Register for the area of Priština, under number 856 for the year 1999, for the following entry of death K-80/378:

 

First name and sex                                         Nebojša ­ male

 

Surname and surname from                         Radojević

previous marriage, if any

 

Identification number                   (blank)

 

Day, month, year and time of death           31 May 1999

 

Place and municipality of death  Priština

 

Day, month and year of birth                      17 October 1961

 

Place and municipality of birth;

country (for persons born abroad)             Belgrade

 

Citizenship                                                      FRY

 

Domicile and address                                   Belgrade, Zage Malivuk 5

 

Marital status                                 married

 

Name, surname and surname of

spouse before marriage, from

previous marriage, if any                              (blank)

 

Names and surname of parents

of the deceased:

                                         Father                     Miodrag

                                         Mother                   Ljiljana

 

Additional notes and remarks:                    (blank)

 

No. ­ 203 ­

Place: Priština                                       Seal affixed                            Registrar's signature

Date: 2 June 1999                                                                 N. Todorović

 

 

Our beloved

Nebojša M. Radojević

1961-1999

lost his life defending his homeland near Prizren on 30 May 1999.

 

The funeral will take place on Friday, 4 June 1999 at 2:00 p.m., on the New Cemetery in Belgrade.

 

Bereaved:

son Filip, wife Maja, mother Ljiljana, father Miodrag, relatives and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bridge in Varvarin

 

On May 30, 1999, at 1:05 p.m. and 1:15 p.m., the bridge over the river Velika Morava in Varvarin was hit and destroyed by three missiles. The attack took place on a market day when around 2,000 people were in the vicinity of the bridge. Nine persons were killed: Stojan Ristić (1943), Zoran Marinković (1966), Tola Apostolović (1925), Milan Savić (1975), Vojkan Stanković (1968), Milivoje Ćirić (1933), all from Varvarin. Also killed were: Ružica Simonović (1939) from D. Katun, Dragoslav Terzić (1931) from Paraćin and Sanja Milenković (1983) from D. Katun. Twelve persons were severely injured and two suffered minor injuries. In addition, two persons are still missing and the search is in progress. All the surrounding buildings were considerably damaged. (photos 96­105)  

   

                                       

 

                       

Kri. No. 37/99

 

MINUTES OF THE TESTIMONY OF WITNESS

 

Made on 23 June 1999 before the investigative judge of the Municipal Court in Varvarin in connection with the interviewing of relatives ­ father ­ of tragically deceased Sanja Milenković from D. Katun, Zoran Milenković from D. Katun, whose daughter lost her life on the bridge in Varvarin on 30 May 1999 during the bombing of the bridge by NATO warplanes, at the request of the Yugoslav Committee for Gathering Evidence About Crimes Committed Against Humanity and International Law.

 

Present:

Investigative judge Mirjana Pavić

Court clerk Slavomirka Stanojević.

The hearing began at 2:00 p.m.

 

Zoran Milenković from Donji Katun, father of tragically deceased Sanja Milenković from Donji Katun, who lost her life during the bombing of the bridge on the Velika Morava by NATO warplanes on 30 May 1999, appeared before the Court and stated:

Sanja Milenković from Donji Katun, born on 30 November 1983 in Kruševac to father Zoran and mother Vesna Milenković nee Ran|elović.

She completed her elementary education in Varvarin with straight A's. She earned the Vuk Diploma, since the 4th grade she participated in competitions in mathematics. In the 4th and 5th grades she won the first places in the District Competition with 100 (maximum) points. In the 6th grade she scored 3rd in the Republican and 3rd in the Federal Mathematics Competition. In the 7th grade she was the 3rd in the Republican and in the 8th grade 2nd in the Republican and 4th in the Federal Competition.

She participated in the competitions in chemistry and physics and won awards.

She was a participant in the Chemistry Olympiad in the 7th grade and won 87 out of maximum 100 points.

In 1998/99 school year she enrolled in the Mathematics High School in Belgrade. As a particularly talented candidate, she did not have to take entrance examination. She participated in the republican competition, while the federal competition was canceled because of war which broke out. Although freshman, she was a candidate for the Olympic team in mathematics.

She was also preparing for the competition in chemistry, scheduled to be held in April.

Her ill-fated death put an end to her ambition, dreams and successes. We, her parents, received the certificate on the completion of the 1st grade, with straight A's.

She left us at the age of 15 and a half years to grieve and suffer: father Zoran, teacher of mathematics at the High School and Technical School in Varvarin, mother Vesna, bachelor of law, brother Saša, High School freshmen who started school two years earlier to be with his sister, both grandfathers and grandmothers.

Her wish and ambition was to engage in scientific work, so that NATO bombers interrupted all her aspirations and hopes, they killed a girl who emanated kindness, energy and knowledge.

Those who knew her well have said a lot in the public media about her as a person, friend and student, and we volunteer this evidence to those who demolished bridges ­ embodiments of life ­ with evil intentions and extinguished people's lives on those bridges.

Concluded at 2:45 p.m.

Court clerk                                             L.S.                        Investigative judge

(signature)                                                                                             (signature)

 

 

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Municipality of Varvarin

 

 

Death Certificate

 

Issued according to the Death Register for the area of Varvarin, under number 18 for the year 1999, for the following entry of death:

 

First name and sex                                         Sanja, female

 

Surname and surname from                         Milenković

previous marriage, if any

 

Identification number                   3011983786017

 

Day, month, year and time of death           30 May 1999 at 1:15 p.m.

 

Place and municipality of death  Varvarin, bridge

 

Day, month and year of birth                      30 November 1983

 

Place and municipality of birth;

country (for persons born abroad)             Kruševac, Kosovska St. No. 16

 

Citizenship                                                      R. of Serbia, FRY

 

Domicile and address                                   Donji Katun

 

Marital status                                 single

 

Name, surname and surname of

spouse before marriage, from

 

previous marriage, if any                              (blank)

 

Names and surname of

parents of the deceased:

                         Father                                     Zoran Milenković

                         Mother                                   Vesna Milenković nee Ran|elović

 

Additional notes and remarks:                    Entry read!

 

No. 203-205/99

 

Place: Varvarin                                      Seal affixed                            Registrar's signature

Date: 25 June 1999                                                                               J. Nešić

 

 

 

Our beloved and never forgotten

1983 ­ 1999

 

Sanja Milenković

 

student of the Mathematics High School in Belgrade

 

perished tragically in the bombing of the Varvarin Bridge on 30 May 1999 at 1:10 p.m. at the age of 15.

 

The funeral will take place on 31 May 1999 at 3:00 p.m., on the cemetery in Donji Katun.

 

Bereaved:

father Zoran, mother Vesna, brother Saša, grandfathers Ljuba and Vlada, grandmothers Branka and Marica, numerous relatives from Donji Katun and Ćićevac.

 

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Republic of Serbia

Mathematics High School in Belgrade

Journal No. 153/13 of 18 June 1999

Registry No. 13.

 

The school is licensed for operation by the Decision of the Ministry of Education No. 022-05-266/03 of 8 April 1994.

 

 

Certificate

 

Sanja Milenković, father's name Zoran, born on 30 November 1983 in Kruševac, Municipality of Kruševac, Serbia, attended in the school year 1998/99 for the first time the first grade of the high school, sciences and mathematics major, and has shown the following result:

 

Serbian language and literature                  excellent (5)

Foreign language - English                                          excellent (5)

History                                                                            excellent (5)

Geography                                                                      excellent (5)

Physics                                                                           excellent (5)

Chemistry                                                                       excellent (5)

Physical education                                                        excellent (5)

Analysis with algebra                                                   excellent (5)

Geometry                                                                        excellent (5)

Computer and information science                             excellent (5)

Second foreign language - German (optional)          excellent (5)

Behaviour                                                                       exemplary (5)

 

The full-time student completed the first grade with excellent result (5.00 average grade).

 

In Belgrade, 18 June 1999

 

 

The Tunnel near Sremska Kamenica

                                    

  The Flzover near Veliko Orašje

          

The Bridge on the Jasenica in Velika Plana