Boy, 15, is killed and dozens of people are injured after 5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Croatia

Boy, 15, is killed and dozens of people are injured after 5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Croatia, sparking blazes and destroying buildings across the capital

  • Zagreb was shaken by the tremor at 6.23am (5.23am GMT) causing residents to run out onto the street
  • Buildings cracked and cars were crushed by falling debris and slabs of concrete. Cathedral was also damaged
  • Citizens had been ordered to stay inside due to the coronavirus outbreak. Croatia has recorded one death 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

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A 15-year-old boy has died and dozens of people have been injured after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit Croatia this morning, sparking blazes, cracking buildings and crushing cars under falling slabs of concrete. 

People dashed onto the streets of Zagreb, the capital, at 6.23am (5.23am GMT) as their homes were shaken violently by the tremor. 

Citizens had been ordered to stay inside due to coronavirus and banned from being in groups numbering more than five people. Croatia has recorded 206 cases of the virus and one death since the outbreak began.

A 15-year-old boy has died and dozens have been injured after an earthquake struck the north of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb

A top part of the side wall of this property has collapsed during the 5.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck four miles north of the capital Zagreb

A top part of the side wall of this property has collapsed during the 5.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck four miles north of the capital Zagreb

Debris and slabs of concrete have been left littering the streets due to the 5.3 magnitude earthquake

Debris and slabs of concrete have been left littering the streets due to the 5.3 magnitude earthquake

A shattered chimney pictured on the floor next to two people wearing masks walking past in Zagreb, Croatia

A shattered chimney pictured on the floor next to two people wearing masks walking past in Zagreb, Croatia

A small car is pictured completely crushed by falling debris while a second car is also shown to be severely damaged

A small car is pictured completely crushed by falling debris while a second car is also shown to be severely damaged

A man inspects the damage caused by an earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, March 22, 2020. A strong earthquake shook Croatia and its capital on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic. (AP Photo/Filip Horvat)

A man inspects the damage caused by an earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, March 22, 2020. A strong earthquake shook Croatia and its capital on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic. (AP Photo/Filip Horvat)

Many buildings cracked in the capital and walls and rooftops were damaged, photos of the destruction show. Downtown streets were also littered with debris, as concrete slabs fell on cars and chimneys landed in front of entrances.

Zagreb’s iconic cathedral was also damaged with the top of one of its two spires collapsing. The cathedral was rebuilt after it toppled in the 1880 earthquake. 

Croatian media said a 15-year-old died. Officials said there were other injuries, but gave no immediate details.

Inside homes, residents shared photos of belongings falling off shelves, broken bottles and glass.

Power was also cut as the earthquake struck and several fires were reported. Two further tremors were recorded later. 

The earthquake struck four miles north of the city at a depth of six miles, according the European Seismological agency. 

People walk past a damaged house after an earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, March 22, 2020. A strong earthquake shook Croatia and its capital on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic

People walk past a damaged house after an earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, March 22, 2020. A strong earthquake shook Croatia and its capital on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic

People inspect the damage caused by an earthquake at the main square in central Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, March 22, 2020. A strong earthquake shook Croatia and its capital on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic

People inspect the damage caused by an earthquake at the main square in central Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, March 22, 2020. A strong earthquake shook Croatia and its capital on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic