On a typical noon in Novi Sad, Serbia’s bustling second-largest city, a tragic incident unfolded on Friday, casting a long shadow over the region. A concrete canopy over the outdoor seating area at the Novi Sad Railway Station suddenly collapsed, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight people and leaving two severely injured. Serbia’s Interior Minister, Ivica Dačić, announced the incident and expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
The disaster, which occurred at around noon local time (11:00 GMT), has sent shockwaves through the community and left citizens questioning the structural integrity and maintenance of public infrastructure in the country.
Details of the Incident
The canopy, designed to shelter travelers waiting at the railway station, had provided comfort and respite from the elements for years. However, for reasons still under investigation, the concrete structure gave way unexpectedly, trapping and injuring people seated on the benches beneath it. The area quickly became a chaotic scene as the concrete debris crushed anyone who was unable to escape.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, working tirelessly to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Tragically, eight people succumbed to their injuries before they could be saved. Two individuals, including a man who had to undergo leg amputations, were rushed to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Rescue teams were in contact with two additional victims still trapped, including a young girl, whose age and condition remain unclear. Rescue operations were carried out delicately but urgently, as officials feared further collapses that could endanger both the victims and rescuers. The sound of heavy machinery and frantic commands filled the air as onlookers gathered, horrified by the unfolding tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Reactions
One witness, visibly shaken, recounted the moment of the collapse to Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), saying, “It was like a thunderous explosion; we thought it was an earthquake. People started screaming and running away, but those seated under the canopy had no time to react.”
Another bystander described the response from both the locals and emergency teams as “heroic” and “coordinated.” Some onlookers rushed to assist before official responders arrived, risking their own safety to lift debris and comfort those trapped.
The shock of the incident reverberated through the community. “This is devastating,” said a local resident who frequents the station. “We sit under those canopies all the time. It could have been any one of us. We need answers to why this happened.”
Novi Sad, known for its rich cultural heritage and popular tourist attractions, was filled with both residents and visitors at the time. The station, a central transportation hub in Serbia, connects Novi Sad with the capital, Belgrade, and other parts of the country. It is a crucial part of the city’s infrastructure, servicing thousands of travelers daily.
Government Response and Investigation
Interior Minister Ivica Dačić was among the first officials to publicly address the incident. He expressed condolences on behalf of the government and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted. According to Dačić, an engineering team has been dispatched to evaluate the cause of the collapse and inspect the structural integrity of similar constructions across the country to prevent further tragedies.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is a grave tragedy, and we are doing everything we can to understand how it happened and to ensure that it never happens again,” Dačić said.
Prime Minister Ana Brnabić also extended her condolences and pledged full support to the emergency services involved. “Our hearts are with the people of Novi Sad today. We will spare no resources to support the victims and their families and to conduct a thorough investigation,” Brnabić announced.
The Serbian government has also promised to provide support for the families of the deceased and the survivors, particularly those who may require long-term medical care as a result of the injuries they sustained.
Structural Concerns and Public Safety in Serbia
The collapse has raised concerns among citizens about the safety and maintenance of public infrastructure in Serbia. While Serbia has made significant infrastructure improvements in recent years, many buildings and public structures in the country date back decades and may not have received the regular maintenance necessary to ensure their safety.
Novi Sad Railway Station, built in the 1960s, has long been in need of renovation, according to local reports. Despite ongoing talks of modernization, budget constraints have delayed upgrades. Many citizens argue that, while the station plays a vital role in daily transportation, safety assessments and maintenance have not kept up with the facility’s age and wear.
Some civil engineers have speculated that the collapse could have been due to a combination of factors, including potential flaws in the original construction, material degradation over time, and a lack of maintenance. However, these are only preliminary hypotheses; official findings will emerge after a complete investigation.
International and National Reactions
News of the tragic collapse has spread internationally, with messages of condolences and support arriving from neighboring countries and the international community. The European Union Delegation to Serbia issued a statement offering their sympathy and extending support to the Serbian government and people in the wake of the tragedy.
Leaders from surrounding countries, including Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, also expressed their condolences. In Novi Sad, mourners have placed flowers near the railway station, and a candlelight vigil is planned for later in the week.
The Aftermath and Path to Recovery
As the dust settles, the people of Novi Sad face the grim reality of rebuilding and mourning those lost. Authorities have announced they will expedite the process of compensation and assistance to affected families, offering both financial support and grief counseling.
In response to the incident, an immediate inspection of all public canopies and similar structures in Serbia is set to begin in the coming days. Dačić emphasized the need for a proactive approach in reviewing public infrastructure, noting that the government will enforce stricter safety regulations moving forward.
Meanwhile, the survivors, especially the man who endured the traumatic experience of losing his legs, face a long path to recovery. Local organizations and NGOs have already started fundraising campaigns to help cover the medical expenses of the injured and provide for their rehabilitation needs. The government has also pledged to bear the majority of the medical costs.
A Community in Mourning
For Novi Sad, this tragic collapse has been a heart-wrenching reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in maintaining public spaces. The railway station will remain closed until all safety inspections are completed, and structural engineers are confident that it poses no further risk to the public. Residents, however, are left questioning not only the state of infrastructure but also how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
While Novi Sad’s community mourns its loss, the resilience of its people remains evident. Neighbors have come together, offering their support to the affected families and engaging in discussions about how they can advocate for safer public spaces.
As Serbia begins to come to terms with the incident, the lessons learned from this tragedy will undoubtedly shape the future of infrastructure and public safety across the country. The grief of today, it is hoped, will pave the way for a safer tomorrow.
