Demonstrators have taken to the streets in Serbia, demanding government accountability for the tragic collapse of an outdoor train station roof that resulted in 14 deaths.
On Sunday, the Associated Press reported that thousands gathered outside the Ministry of Construction and Transport in downtown Belgrade, calling for justice for those responsible for the disaster.
Protesters chanted “Arrest, arrest!” and accused police of blocking their entry to protect those they deemed guilty.
Opposition activist Nikola Ristic urged demonstrators to leave bloody handprints everywhere possible, symbolically indicating that officials’ hands were stained with blood.
The tragedy occurred on Friday when a concrete outdoor roof suddenly collapsed at a train station in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, crushing unsuspecting citizens beneath the debris. Those sitting on benches under the roof and people passing through the station entrance could not escape the falling concrete.
The incident resulted in 14 fatalities, including a 6-year-old girl, and left three others critically injured, all of whom required amputations.
According to the Associated Press, thousands attended the funeral held in Novi Sad to pay their respects.
The train station in Novi Sad reopened in July after three years of renovation, leading to speculation that poor construction work may have contributed to the tragedy.
Opposition politicians, activists, and human rights organizations in Serbia argue that the disaster is symptomatic of rampant government corruption, collusion with organized crime, nepotism, and excessive bureaucracy.
Progressive politician Vojislav Stojković remarked, “The citizens have nothing left to lose. Their sadness and anger have merged into outrage.”
Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Besević announced that authorities are investigating those responsible for the tragedy and promised a thorough inquiry. The Novi Sad prosecutor’s office revealed that they are investigating 26 officials, including Goran Bešić, the Minister of Construction and Transport, and have secured important documents related to the case.