Citizens gathered near the railway station in Novi Sad to mark 21 months since the collapse of the station canopy that killed 16 people and shocked Serbia. The commemoration was held in memory of the victims, with participants demanding that those responsible for the tragedy be held accountable and that the investigation into the disaster reach a final conclusion.
The collapse happened on November 1, 2024, when a concrete canopy at the entrance of the Novi Sad railway station fell onto people waiting and passing through the area. The accident resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including a child, while several others were seriously injured. The tragedy led to widespread public anger and months of demonstrations across Serbia, with citizens calling for transparency and responsibility from institutions. During the latest gathering, citizens paid tribute to the victims and repeated calls for justice. Many participants emphasized that the passage of time has not reduced the need for answers about the circumstances that led to the collapse. The railway station had undergone renovation work before the disaster, and questions about construction oversight, safety procedures and responsibility have remained central to public discussions.
The incident also became a wider social issue in Serbia, with student groups and citizens organizing protests demanding institutional changes and greater accountability. The disaster triggered one of the largest waves of public demonstrations in recent years, as many protesters connected the tragedy with broader concerns about transparency and the functioning of public institutions. Authorities have continued legal proceedings related to the collapse, while families of the victims and many citizens continue to seek a full explanation of what caused the disaster and who should be held responsible. For many in Novi Sad, the monthly commemorations have become a way to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and maintain pressure for answers.
The Novi Sad railway station collapse remains one of the most painful and unresolved issues in Serbia nearly two years after the tragedy. As investigations continue, families and citizens say that accountability and answers remain their strongest demands.
