Roof Collapse At Novi Sad Station Sparks Outraged Demands For Justice

A devastating roof collapse at Serbia’s Novi Sad train station has led to 15 deaths, igniting protests and a wave of arrests amidst accusations of corruption.

At a Glance

Twelve individuals arrested after Novi Sad train station roof collapse.
The suspects face serious charges amid calls for justice.
Protests demand transparency, resulting in political resignations.
A Chinese-Serbian consortium under fire for questionable construction.

Arrests and Charges

Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the Novi Sad train station roof collapse that killed 15 people and injured two others. Authorities have charged the suspects with acts against public security, creating public danger, and engaging in irregular construction activities. This tragic event has resulted in potential prison sentences of up to 12 years for those involved.

Amid the allegations, Goran Vesic, a former construction minister, is reported to have been detained though he claims it was a voluntary appearance. Meanwhile, one suspect remains at large as law enforcement continues their relentless pursuit.

Serbia’s trade minister and railway chief resigned over a growing scandal about a roof collapse at a newly-refurbished railway station that killed 15 people https://t.co/UjwaVFMp9e

— Bloomberg Politics (@bpolitics) November 20, 2024

Response and Political Repercussions

Mass protests erupted across Serbia, with citizens demanding accountability from the government and accountability for those responsible. The public outrage centred around possible corruption and the apparent lack of transparency during renovation works by a Serbian-Chinese partnership. Political pressure has mounted, prompting the resignation of significant figures, such as Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic and the acting general director of Serbia Railways Infrastructure, Jelena Tanaskovic.

President Aleksandar Vucic criticized opposition protests, condemning them as acts of “terror” and “brutal violence.” Opposition leaders remain skeptical about the arrests, advocating for serious organized crime investigations.

Serbia arrests 11 over railway station roof collapse https://t.co/SmqvDYX5oA pic.twitter.com/WJDSfu3REb

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 21, 2024

Renovation Controversy

The Novi Sad station, originally constructed in 1964, had undergone two renovation cycles recently, as part of agreements involving Chinese state enterprises. The renovations, purportedly completed just before the deadly incident, remain shrouded in controversy. The consortium, which included China Railway International and others, now faces critical scrutiny.

Public discourse remains charged with demands for the disclosure of the contracts tied to this venture. Conflicting reports add to the complexity, questioning whether the collapsed roof was included in the renovation plan at all.