In a tragic accident in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, eight people lost their lives when a concrete canopy at the main railway station suddenly collapsed. The collapse occurred around noon local time, catching individuals seated on benches beneath the structure by surprise. Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dačić confirmed that two people remain hospitalized, including one man who underwent a double leg amputation.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Approximately 80 rescuers, equipped with heavy machinery, are involved in an extensive search for any survivors, with reports of at least two individuals—one of whom is a young girl—still trapped under the debris. Prime Minister Miloš Vučević described the incident as one of the darkest days in Novi Sad’s recent history, extending his condolences to the victims’ families and appreciation for the first responders on the scene.
Accountability and Infrastructure Concerns
The canopy, initially constructed in 1964, had not been reconstructed during recent renovations to the station building. Serbia’s Railway Infrastructure authority stated that the canopy was left untouched despite renovations in 2021 and further updates this year in anticipation of a July reopening. Prime Minister Vučević emphasized that all parties responsible for the canopy’s maintenance would be held accountable.
As Novi Sad mourns, this tragic incident has heightened calls for stricter infrastructure assessments, particularly in historical structures that serve large public populations.
