A tragic accident occurred in northern Serbia when the concrete roof above the entrance of a railway station collapsed, resulting in the death of 14 individuals. The Novi Sad hospital reported that at least three people were in a critical condition, with two undergoing surgery for life-threatening injuries. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to clear away the rubble with heavy machinery. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, there were more fatalities than injuries, leading to a somber atmosphere in the region.
In response to the devastating incident, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević declared Saturday a national day of mourning, describing it as a “black Friday for all of Serbia.” Interior Minister Ivica Dačić expressed concerns about the rising death toll and emphasized the magnitude of the accident, which overwhelmed emergency services. President Aleksandar Vučić extended his condolences to the families of the victims and commended the efforts of those who donated blood and assisted in rescue operations. The community’s response to the tragedy highlighted the unity and resilience of the Serbian people during difficult times.
Serbia’s state railway company, Železnice Srbije, reported that the accident occurred around midday and clarified that the reconstruction work on the station building did not involve the structure that collapsed. The station had previously undergone renovations in recent years, casting doubt on the safety measures implemented during the construction process. Prime Minister Vučević mentioned that the roof was constructed in 1964, and investigations were initiated to determine the cause of the collapse and hold accountable any responsible parties. Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesić denied allegations that the building permit for the reconstruction did not include the external awning, suggesting that the renovation work may have inadvertently affected the structural integrity of the building.
Local residents in Novi Sad expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, with one individual sharing their personal connection to the railway station and highlighting the catastrophic nature of the incident. The sentiment of disbelief and sorrow reverberated throughout the community, reflecting the profound impact of the accident on the region. Serbian experts speculated that the renovation work on the station might have led to structural changes that contributed to the roof’s collapse, raising concerns about the oversight and adherence to safety regulations during construction projects. The government’s decision to observe a day of mourning signaled a collective mourning process for the nation as they grappled with the loss of life and the repercussions of the tragic event.
As the investigation into the railway station collapse continues, questions arise regarding the accountability and regulation of construction projects in Serbia. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and conducting thorough assessments during renovation work to prevent similar accidents in the future. The nation’s response to the tragedy underscores the resilience and unity of the Serbian people during times of crisis, as communities come together to support those affected and honor the memories of the victims. While the grief and shock of the accident have left a profound impact on Novi Sad and Serbia as a whole, the tragedy also serves as a call for increased vigilance and oversight in construction practices to safeguard against future disasters.
