Serbia opens investigation into Novi Sad railway station roof collapse that killed 14

A roof collapse at the railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, has resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives and injuries to three others. The incident occurred on Friday, November 1, when a section of roofing along the main entrance of the station unexpectedly gave way. Emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene, with rescue teams utilizing heavy machinery and specialized equipment to search for and extricate victims trapped beneath the debris. Rescuers worked tirelessly throughout the night to recover both the deceased and injured from the rubble.

The Novi Sad railway station, situated approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, had recently undergone a significant renovation project that concluded in July 2023. The project, which was reported to have cost around 16 million euros, included upgrades to the station’s infrastructure aimed at improving safety and accessibility. However, reports indicate that the section of the roof that collapsed was not part of the renovation work, raising concerns about the integrity of the structure. Minister of Transport Goran Vesic confirmed that this part of the station had not been included in the renovation plans, which were intended to enhance overall safety measures.

In light of the disaster, the Serbian government has initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the causes of the roof collapse. This inquiry will involve multiple entities, including the state Traffic Institute, the state railway company, and the Chinese consortium responsible for the renovation, which comprises China Railway International Co. Ltd. and China Communications Construction Company. Minister Vesic emphasized that the investigation aims to identify individuals responsible for the project’s oversight, including those who authorized the renovation and ensured compliance with safety protocols.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic announced that around 20 individuals would be interviewed as part of the investigation. This group will include officials from the Ministry of Transport, the state railway operator, and representatives from the construction companies involved. The inquiry will also scrutinize all relevant documentation associated with the renovation project to determine whether proper safety standards and regulations were followed during the construction process.

As a sign of respect for the victims, Serbian authorities declared Saturday, November 2, a national day of mourning. Residents of Novi Sad gathered near the railway station to pay tribute, leaving flowers and lighting candles in memory of those who perished in the tragedy. This incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over infrastructure safety and management practices within Serbia, with public calls for greater accountability from government officials and stakeholders involved in public infrastructure projects.