Attempt to evade a check ends with a Frontex officer and a tractor colliding in Strumica

An incident was recorded near the village of Bansko, in the Strumica area, after a driver attempting to evade a police check hit a Frontex officer and then a tractor.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the incident occurred on 13 September 2026, at around 12:30 p.m. Officers from the Novo Selo Border Crossing and Border Surveillance Police Station, together with Frontex officers, identified a Ford Transit transport vehicle with Strumica license plates. The vehicle was loaded with firewood and driven by F.I. (33) from the village of Bansko.

As they attempted to check the driver and the vehicle, F.I. began driving. He initially hit a Polish Frontex police officer and then collided with an IMT tractor driven by Gj.M. (52), also from the village of Bansko.

As a result of the collision, the Frontex officer and the driver of the Ford Transit, F.I., sustained serious bodily injuries. Their condition was confirmed at the Strumica Medical Center.

An investigative team from the Strumica Internal Affairs Sector conducted an inspection of the scene. During the proceedings, it was established that the tractor driver, Gj.M., had been driving without having passed a driving test, while F.I. was detained.

The Interior Ministry stated that, following the completion and full documentation of the case, an appropriate submission would be filed.