A young girl from the UK has been killed in a horrific speedboat crash after she was allegedly hit by an off-duty policeman while holidaying in Albania. Jonada Avdia was swimming about 15ft from shore when she was hit by the speedboat in front of traumatised onlookers.
The seven-year-old's death has led to protests throughout the Albania demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and ministers. Jonada died after police officer Arjan Tase was allegedly dangerously manoeuvring his speedboat on the Potami beach in Himara, Southern Albania.
Police confirmed that at around 2pm on Tuesday the driver lost control and hit the child from Barking in London who died instantly at the scene. He is expected to appear before the Vlora court on Friday after he was charged with manslaughter, Albania Daily News report.
Teacher Bislim Ahmetaj shared an emotional post on social media saying: “Albanians are mourning Jonada and her family, while for you, killer of children and dreams, there will be no grave. Justice for Jonada should and will be decided by Albanian citizens.”
He also revealed a heartbreaking conversation he had with the girl’s distraught father, Bledar. He said the grieving father told her he was holding his daughter’s hand when she was hit and said “I should have died.”
The young girl was on holiday with her family in her parent’s home country, but the family is said to have been living in the UK for the past two decades and Jonada was born in London, according to Mirror Online.
Due to the catastrophic accident, Police Chief Gledis Nano fired around 15 officers, saying he would “not tolerate any police officer, leader or enforcer, who does not rigorously and honestly implement functional duties, in the interest of protecting the lives of citizens.”
This is the third case in a month where speedboats on the beaches of Albania have caused accidents to tourists and authorities stated they were performing checks this summer on watercraft and vessels. Around 25 people have reportedly been penalised for driving boats dangerously in forbidden areas.
The European Observatory of Crimes and Security says most beaches in the area have no lifeguards and only a few supervisors. Hundreds of candles and flowers have been placed where Jonada lost her life, as well as in front of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Foreign Office has been approached for comment.
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