A tragic incident in Serbia has claimed the life of a young woman who was injured in a deadly roof collapse earlier this month, bringing the death toll to 15, according to doctors. The tragedy occurred at a railway station building in the northern city of Novi Sad on November 1st, when the concrete outer roof suddenly fell, crushing the people below.
Initially, 14 people lost their lives in the incident, while three others were severely injured. The devastating event has sparked protests against the populist authorities in Serbia, with many blaming rampant corruption for the shoddy renovation work that led to the roof collapse. The railway station, originally built in 1964, had undergone two renovations in recent years as part of a broader agreement with Chinese state companies.
Protesters in Novi Sad took to the streets on Sunday, blocking an intersection outside the railway station and demanding accountability for the tragedy. Activists displayed a large poster of a bleeding white dove and red handprints, symbolizing the blood on the hands of the authorities. Actress and activist Jelena Stupljanin addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for those responsible to be held accountable and urging for justice.
Calls for the release of detained activists from a previous rally in Novi Sad have also been made by protesters. The earlier rally turned violent when masked hooligans attacked the Novi Sad City Hall building with flares and rocks, prompting accusations from opposition activists that the unrest was orchestrated to undermine peaceful demonstrations.
While the authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident, and Serbia’s construction minister has resigned, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. The lack of accountability has fueled public outrage and further protests in Novi Sad, as citizens demand justice for the victims of the roof collapse and transparency from the government.
The tragic events in Novi Sad serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects. The loss of lives and injuries resulting from the roof collapse highlight the importance of proper oversight and accountability in construction and renovation efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the people of Serbia continue to seek justice and answers, the authorities face mounting pressure to address the root causes of the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
