NOVI SAD: Serbia observed a day of mourning on Saturday as thousands gathered across the country to honour the 14 victims who lost their lives when the roof of the main train station in the northern Novi Sad city collapsed.
In Novi Sad, mourners held a silent night vigil on a boulevard near the station, lighting candles and laying flowers in remembrance of the victims. Many held white papers bearing the names of the deceased, while similar vigils were organized across Serbia.
“I am very sad and I am very sorry,” shared 23-year-old student Anja Gvozdenovic, speaking to AFP at the vigil. “I do not want to think about whose fault it was and who was responsible—for now, I think we have to grieve first.”
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic assured the public that an investigation is underway. “Determining responsibility started today,” he said, confirming that the prosecutor’s office has summoned 20 persons for questioning, including officials from the ministries and Serbia Railways, the public entity overseeing the country’s rail infrastructure. Documents related to the station have also been seized from the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure.
The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad revealed that even high-ranking officials, including the minister for construction, transport, and infrastructure, would be questioned regarding their involvement.
The central railway station, where the fatal collapse occurred, underwent a major renovation over three years, with work concluding in July. Serbia Railways has since claimed that the section of the roof that collapsed had not been part of the recent renovation.
President Aleksandar Vucic offered his condolences to the victims’ families, pledging to ensure justice for those affected. “Those responsible, I assure you, will be punished,” he affirmed on Friday.
