On November 1st, 2024, at approximately 11:52 CET, the concrete canopy of the Novi Sad railway station collapsed, killing 16 people and leaving one with severe injuries. The collapse led to widespread public concern in Serbia, with many questioning the structural integrity and maintenance oversight of public infrastructure. The authorities launched an investigation into the causes of the incident, but public frustration grew due to lack of accountability in the response.
The railway station was originally constructed in 1964. It was structurally advanced for its period, bold, and relatively unusual. It stood in its original form for 57 years, without substantial renovations. It was eventually renovated from 2021 to mid-2024, as part of the fast railways project from Belgrade to Budapest, and was completed by a consortium of the Chinese companies CRIC-CCCC.
In the aftermath, the Serbian government declared the national day of mourning on November 2nd. The tragedy also sparked widespread protests across Serbia, with demonstrators demanding accountability and attributing the disaster to government corruption and negligence. These protests led to significant political repercussions, including the resignation of some government officials.
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