Following the tragic collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad, Serbia, thousands of citizens took to the streets in protest. The incident, which killed 14 people, including a young child, and critically injured three others, sparked outrage and calls for justice from the Serbian public.

On November 5, 2024, crowds gathered around the city hall and other parts of Novi Sad, demanding accountability for the disaster. As tensions escalated, protesters clashed with riot police, who responded by deploying tear gas and using pepper spray. Some protesters, reportedly masked, began throwing various objects, including eggs, bricks, and bottles, at government buildings and officials. The situation quickly became violent as a result of these actions, leading to a highly charged standoff between demonstrators and law enforcement.

Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, urged the public to stay calm and warned against any form of violence. He assured that the police had acted with restraint in the face of escalating aggression from the protesters. Vučić’s comments on social media emphasized that those responsible for violent acts would face punishment. Additionally, he suggested that certain groups of provocateurs with possible ties to opposition movements were attempting to undermine the peaceful nature of the protests and fuel further unrest.

Despite these tensions, protest organizers distanced themselves from the violent actions and accused certain factions of trying to hijack the movement for their own political purposes. They claimed these groups were trying to disrupt the demonstrations and paint them as a violent opposition force, which they argued would undermine the calls for justice and transparency that the protests sought to amplify.

As the protests wound down, Vučić unexpectedly visited Novi Sad, where he appeared briefly before his supporters outside the Serbian Progressive Party headquarters. He posed for a photo with local police officers, showing his support for law enforcement in the city. His appearance and statements were viewed by some as an attempt to solidify his image as a leader who stood with the police in maintaining order during the unrest.

The protests were sparked by the roof collapse at Novi Sad’s train station, a building that had undergone renovations in recent years. The canopy that collapsed, however, had not been part of the renovation efforts. Despite ongoing construction at the station, many are questioning the safety measures and oversight of public infrastructure projects. Critics point to a lack of accountability regarding the collapse and highlight concerns over the adequacy of construction standards in the country.

Beyond the tragedy itself, the protests have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the Serbian government. Opposition politicians and civil rights organizations accuse the government of corruption, cronyism, and ties to organized crime, which have contributed to a climate of mistrust and frustration among the public. President Vučić and his allies continue to deny these allegations, asserting that the country is on a path toward progress.

The collapse has raised serious questions about public safety and the government’s ability to manage infrastructure projects effectively. Many see the incident as emblematic of larger systemic problems within the country’s leadership. The tragedy has intensified calls for greater transparency and stricter oversight in the management of public works.

The protests that followed the roof collapse represent a critical moment for Serbia’s political landscape. Citizens are demanding thorough investigations into the cause of the incident and are calling for stronger regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future. The government’s handling of the situation will likely influence public perception of its leadership and its ability to address the pressing concerns of the Serbian people.

The tragic events in Novi Sad underscore the importance of government accountability, especially in the management of public infrastructure. As the investigation into the collapse continues, the protests have become a symbol of the growing demand for justice and the need for reform in Serbia’s political and administrative systems.