Tens of thousands of people gathered at Novi Sad’s main railway station on Sunday to mark the anniversary of a roof collapse that killed 16 people and helped trigger Serbia’s nationwide student-led protest movement.
The concrete awning fell shortly before noon on November 1, 2024, at a station renovated as part of a China-backed high-speed rail project. Mourners observed 16 minutes of silence before placing wreaths, flowers and candles near the site.
The disaster became a symbol of alleged corruption under longtime President Aleksandar Vucic. The resulting protests led to resignations, including that of the construction minister, a government reshuffle and eventually snap elections.
“On a personal, emotional, and social level, I hope for a collective healing,” said Zorana Sijan Oborina, a student supporter.
Prosecutors indicted 13 people over the collapse, although pretrial proceedings have stalled. The defendants have denied wrongdoing.
“I hope we have finally realised that we shouldn’t wait ... years to change what is bad, especially when it costs human lives,” said Jelena Trajkovic, a 32-year-old academic from Novi Sad.
The Student List, a coalition including academics, professionals, farmers, actors and activists selected by student assemblies, won 141 of the 250 parliamentary seats in an October 25 election, according to a preliminary tally. Final results are expected in the coming days and are not expected to alter the outcome.
Vucic, who stood as his SNS party’s prime-ministerial candidate at the end of his presidential term, acknowledged the defeat and left office. A presidential election is expected before the end of the year.
Sources: Investing.com News.