Sat Nov 02 11:26:41 UTC 2024: ## Roof Collapse at Novi Sad Railway Station Claims 14 Lives
**Novi Sad, Serbia:** A tragic accident occurred at the railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, on Friday, November 1st, when a canopy at the entrance collapsed, killing 14 people and injuring three. Among the victims was a six-year-old girl and a citizen of North Macedonia.
The collapse occurred around noon on Friday, sending tons of concrete crashing down on people sitting below. Rescue efforts continued through the night, with over 80 rescuers working to remove debris and search for survivors. The search for survivors was called off Saturday morning after all 14 bodies were recovered.
The three injured, ranging in age from 18 to 24, remain in critical condition.
Serbia’s government has declared Saturday a day of mourning and promised a thorough investigation into the incident. The canopy, which was not part of recent renovations, was built in 1964 alongside the station itself.
Minister for construction and infrastructure, Goran Vesic, stated that the tragedy would not have happened if the canopy had been renovated along with the station, which was recently renovated by Chinese companies.
The renovated station was inaugurated in 2022 by President Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, serving as a key stop on the planned Belgrade-Budapest fast train line.
The incident has sparked criticism from opposition members, who allege corruption and sloppy renovations played a role in the disaster. A protest is planned outside the station.
Authorities are questioning 20 individuals as part of the investigation, including Minister Vesic.
First Piper 