They went swimming in the Drin, the current swept away five relatives; 7-year-old girl remains missing

Yesterday afternoon, a girl believed to be around 7 years old was reportedly swept away by the current of the Black Drin River in Lower Gjorica, in the Municipality of Bulqizë.

Five relatives entered the Drin River to swim yesterday evening in Gjorica, Bulqizë, but the river’s current suddenly intensified after the gates of a hydroelectric power plant in Greater Dibër were opened.

As a result, the water swept away a girl around 7 years old, who is believed to have drowned, while the other four people were rescued.

After authorities were notified of the incident, a search operation was launched involving family members, local residents, Bulqizë Municipality employees and police services.

Initial suspicions are linked to the increase in the river’s flow, which may have caused the current of the Black Drin to become stronger.

Authorities are also verifying whether the opening of the gates of the Spilë hydroelectric power plant, following increased inflows from North Macedonia, contributed to the situation.

The search for the missing minor is continuing, while family members, local residents, Bulqizë Municipality employees and police forces remain engaged at the scene.

The circumstances of the incident have not yet been fully determined, and authorities are continuing their work to clarify them.