A fatal accident occurred at Novi Sad’s main railway station in Serbia where 15 people died and two were severely injured due to a roof collapse during renovation. The incident sparked weeks of protests across Serbia, resulting in arrests of a dozen people including a former cabinet minister.
Background
A fatal accident occurred on November 1 at Novi Sad’s main railway station in Serbia, where a hanging section of the roof crumbled and fell on bystanders, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and severe injuries to two others. The incident took place while the station was under renovation for 11 years by a consortium of Chinese, French, and Hungarian companies.
Initial Reactions
Following the tragedy, Ex-Construction Minister Goran Vesic resigned three days later, seeking to position himself as a witness rather than as a guilty party. However, his resignation did not satisfy the public’s demand for accountability. The lack of arrests or apologies prompted weeks of angry protests across Serbia, with tens of thousands of residents taking to the streets.
Protests and Resignations
The protests were met with force by police, leading to repeated clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Despite this, the opposition Green-Left Front hailed the news of arrests as a victory for justice, saying that those who had portrayed themselves as untouchable were now trembling before justice, thanks to the pressure from citizens, the opposition, protests, and blockade.
Arrests
A dozen people, including a former cabinet minister, were arrested in connection with the incident. Prosecutors started questioning the suspects but did not officially identify them. The move was seen as a significant step towards accountability for those responsible for the tragedy.
Continued Protests
Protests continued across Serbia, with residents in several cities blocking traffic and standing in silence to commemorate the victims of the roof collapse at Novi Sad’s train station. The demonstrations were met with criticism from Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and Defense Minister Branislav Gasic, who denounced them as “not protests, but the blocking of people’s lives and normal functioning” and “a classic abuse of democracy and civil liberties,” respectively.
Resignations
Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic, who was construction minister when work began on the station, was forced to step down following the demonstrations. Protestors also demanded that the mayor of Novi Sad and Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic leave their posts.
Reaction from Authorities
Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic described the demonstrations as “not protests, but the blocking of people’s lives and normal functioning.” Defense Minister Branislav Gasic denounced the protests as “a classic abuse of democracy and civil liberties.”
Commemoration and Continued Protests
Residents in several cities across Serbia blocked traffic and stood in silence to commemorate the victims of the roof collapse. The opposition Green-Left Front hailed the news, saying that those who portrayed themselves as untouchable were now trembling before justice, thanks to the pressure from citizens, the opposition, protests, and blockade. Protests in Serbia continue.
