The roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, led to the deaths of 14 people and injuries to three others. Following this tragic incident, protests erupted in the city, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand the resignations of top officials. The protesters blamed the collapse on corruption, lack of transparency, and negligence during renovation work at the station, which was part of a railway deal with Chinese state companies. The protest turned violent when some participants began throwing flares, rocks, bottles, and red paint at city hall. In response, the police fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, leading to further unrest.
In the aftermath of the protest, nine individuals were detained by authorities on charges of violent behavior, destruction of property, causing public danger, and attacking the police. Prosecutors stated that they are working to identify more individuals who were involved in the incidents. Some of the attackers at city hall were believed to be soccer hooligans closely aligned with the populist government in Serbia. Opposition politicians accused the government of stoking violence through provocateurs in an attempt to discredit the peaceful protests and portray the opposition as enemies of the nation. Despite the unrest, the government officials have promised full accountability for the roof collapse, and the construction minister submitted his resignation in response to public pressure.
Surveillance camera footage captured the moment when the massive canopy at the railway station collapsed, crushing those sitting beneath it or passing through the area. The incident occurred suddenly and without warning, shocking the local community and prompting widespread outrage. Many residents in Serbia are deeply concerned about the issue of corruption and lack of accountability in the country, which they believe contributed to the tragic event at the railway station. The protest in Novi Sad highlighted the pent-up frustrations of the people and their demand for justice and transparency from the authorities.
The violent turn of events during the protest resulted in injuries to around 10 policemen and two citizens, according to reports from the police. The clashes between protesters and law enforcement reflected the deep-seated tensions in Serbian society and the growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of public infrastructure and safety. The government’s response to the unrest will be closely watched, as it could have broader implications for political stability in the region. Moving forward, there will be a focus on ensuring accountability for the roof collapse, addressing the grievances of the protesters, and preventing further outbreaks of violence in Novi Sad and beyond.
