Mario Banozic was travelling in his private car and was leaving the town of Vinkovci, 276 kilometres (172 miles) east of the capital Zagreb, when it rammed into a van, a statement said.

Banozic suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to hospital, government spokesman Marko Milic said, adding: "According to the doctors, his life is out of danger".

Born in 1979, Banozic has held the defence portfolio since 2020.