On November 1, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Novi Sad, Serbia, when the concrete roof above the entrance of a railway station collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals. This heartbreaking event prompted a national outpouring of grief and solidarity, leading to a vigil held in northern Serbia to honor the victims. As the community came together to remember those who lost their lives, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević described the day as a “black Friday” for the entire nation and announced that Saturday would be designated a national day of mourning.

The situation in the aftermath of the collapse has been grave, with the general manager of the Novi Sad hospital reporting that at least three victims were in critical condition, and two of these individuals were undergoing surgery for serious, life-threatening injuries. The Interior Minister, Ivica Dačić, expressed concerns that the death toll could continue to rise as rescue teams worked tirelessly to clear the debris using heavy machinery.

Dačić highlighted the scale of the tragedy, stating, “This is one big, it’s one huge accident. Unfortunately, despite all of us being ready to react—police, firemen, rescuers, ambulances, and medical workers—there were simply more dead than those injured.” His remarks underscored the overwhelming nature of the event and the profound impact it has had on the community and the nation as a whole.

In a televised address from Belgrade, President Aleksandar Vučić extended his condolences to the families affected by the disaster. He acknowledged the support of the Serbian people, expressing gratitude to those who had donated blood and assisted in the rescue efforts. “A great thank you to all good people in Serbia who donated blood, who came to help in the rescue of the injured and killed, and I believe that we will be able to learn a lesson from this hard day,” he stated, emphasizing the collective effort of the citizens during this time of crisis.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 am, as reported by Serbia’s state railway company, Železnice Srbije. The company clarified that the collapsed roof was not part of the recent renovations that had taken place at the station. It is noteworthy that the railway station had undergone renovations twice in recent years, raising questions about the structural integrity of the building.

Prime Minister Vučević reiterated the somber nature of the tragedy, declaring it a “black Friday” for the nation. He noted that the roof had been constructed in 1964 and assured the public that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the collapse and identify those responsible. This inquiry aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to such a devastating event.

In response to mounting pressure and calls for accountability, Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesić stated that the building permit for the recent renovations did not include the external awning that collapsed. However, experts in Serbia have voiced concerns that the renovation work may have inadvertently altered the structure of the building, potentially contributing to the roof’s failure.

The collapse has left a profound impact on the local community, with residents grappling with the enormity of the loss. Ivan Trifunović, a student who frequently uses the Novi Sad train station to visit friends in Belgrade, expressed his shock at the tragedy, saying, “If one rooftop could not be built properly, then I don’t know what to say. It was renovated three months ago. I don’t know what to think. I am a student and I use that train station. I go to Belgrade to visit friends. What can I say, it’s a catastrophe.”

As the nation mourns the loss of life and reflects on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the incident raises important questions about infrastructure safety and the responsibility of authorities to ensure the integrity of public structures. The government’s declaration of a national day of mourning reflects the seriousness of the situation and the collective grief shared by the citizens of Serbia.

Moving forward, it will be essential for the investigation into the roof’s collapse to thoroughly examine all aspects of the renovation work and building standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The emphasis on accountability and transparency will be crucial in restoring public confidence in the safety of infrastructure throughout the country.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in public infrastructure and the critical need for rigorous safety standards and oversight. As the community of Novi Sad and the broader Serbian populace come to terms with this devastating event, the focus will be on honoring the victims, supporting the affected families, and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

The collective grief experienced by the nation highlights the importance of solidarity during times of crisis. As individuals come together to light candles and pay their respects to the victims, it fosters a sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The vigil serves not only as a memorial for those lost but also as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding public safety.

In the days and weeks to come, as investigations proceed and more information becomes available, the focus will shift to implementing necessary changes to infrastructure safety regulations and ensuring that accountability measures are put in place to protect the public. The response to this tragedy will shape future policies and practices, reinforcing the commitment to prioritizing safety and preventing future incidents.

As Serbia grapples with the aftermath of the roof collapse at the Novi Sad train station, the thoughts and prayers of the community remain with the victims and their families. This tragic event will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the nation, prompting a renewed focus on the importance of infrastructure safety and the responsibility of those in power to uphold the highest standards of public safety for all citizens.