Petrovačka dola, once a landfill near Vukovar, is now recognized as a challenging and long-term site of mass grave research stemming from the Croatian War of Independence. Recent excavation efforts have uncovered the remains of individuals who went missing during the Serbian aggression in 1991, and investigations are ongoing to locate and identify all victims. The site is notable not only for its tragic history but also for the complexity of excavating human remains from what was essentially a garbage dump.

The systematic field research commenced in 2022, following reports that this area may contain remains of persons missing due to the conflict. Since then, a notable number of bodies, specifically 36, have been exhumed and identified. The lengthy period of excavation—over 800 days—speaks to the meticulous nature of the work being done, as well as the emotional weight carried by the families of victims seeking closure.

For decades, from 1974 to 2022, Petrovačka dola served as a municipal waste disposal site, complicating the excavation process considerably. The numbers released highlight not only the scale of the operation but also the profound sorrow associated with uncovering the past. As the search continues, the effort represents a crucial step in addressing the injustices of the war and ensuring that the stories of the victims, such as the Došen family from Vukovar, are not forgotten.