At approximately noon local time on November 1, 2024, a 115-foot concrete canopy at the main railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia collapsed, resulting in 14 fatalities and leaving three people with critical injuries.
The incident occurred while passengers were sitting on benches beneath the outdoor overhang of the station, Serbia’s second-largest transportation hub. Emergency responders successfully rescued two women from the debris several hours after the collapse.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed the nation, confirming that among the victims was a six-year-old girl. “Those responsible will be punished,” Vučić stated.
The station underwent renovations in 2021-2022, costing approximately $17.3 million. However, both Serbian Railways Infrastructure and the Chinese construction consortium responsible for the renovations maintain that the collapsed canopy, originally constructed in 1964, was not included in the recent reconstruction work.
Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesić confirmed that the building permit for recent renovations did not include modifications to the external awning.
Approximately 80 rescue workers from across Serbia participated in the search and recovery operation, utilizing heavy machinery to clear the debris. The three survivors remain in intensive care at the University Clinical Center in Novi Sad.
Prime Minister Miloš Vučević described the event as one of the most challenging days in Novi Sad’s post-war history. The government has declared Saturday, November 2, as an official day of mourning.
The Novi Sad Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation, interviewing over 20 individuals, including the Transport Minister and officials from the state railways operator.
Surveillance footage captured the sudden collapse of the structure, which occurred on a clear day. Train services were temporarily suspended at the station while investigators examined the site.
The Interior Minister, Ivica Dačić, indicated that the number of casualties could increase as rescue teams continue their work at the site.
Protesters left red handprints at the entrances of government buildings in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, to demand the arrest of officials responsible for the negligence of the site. Police formed a barrier outside the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure in the center of the city as thousands of people called for ranking government ministers, including Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, to step down.
