On November 1, 2024, at around 12 p.m. local time, a concrete canopy measuring around 115 feet collapsed at the main railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, causing the deaths of 14 people, and critically injuring three others.
The collapse happened while passengers were seated beneath the station’s outdoor overhang. This station is the second-largest transportation hub in Serbia. Emergency services managed to extricate two women from the wreckage hours after the incident.
In a national address, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed the deaths, which included a young girl aged six. He promised, “Those responsible will be punished.”
Despite undergoing refurbishment in 2021-2022 at a cost of around $17.3 million, both the Serbian Railways Infrastructure and the Chinese construction consortium responsible for the refurbishment stated that the canopy, which was originally built in 1964, was not part of the recent renovation works.
Goran Vesić, the Infrastructure Minister, corroborated this information, stating that the building permit for the recent refurbishments did not include modifications to the external overhang.
Around 80 rescue workers from across Serbia participated in the search and rescue operation, employing heavy machinery to remove the debris. The three survivors were reportedly in the intensive care unit of the University Clinical Center in Novi Sad.
The event was described by Prime Minister Miloš Vučević as one of the most challenging days in the post-war history of Novi Sad. As a result, Saturday, November 2, was declared an official day of mourning by the government.
The High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad has started an investigation into the incident, interviewing over 20 people, including the Transport Minister and officials from the state railway operator.
Security camera footage captured the abrupt collapse of the structure on a clear day. Train services at the station were temporarily halted while the site was investigated.
The Interior Minister, Ivica Dačić, indicated that the casualty count may rise as the rescue team continues their operations at the site.
