Among the victims is a six to seven year old girl, as Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said, according to media reports, after the rescue work was completed. Dozens of people were injured, three of whom were in serious condition. The cause of the accident is still unclear.
President Aleksandar Vucic demanded criminal consequences for the accident. National mourning was declared throughout Serbia on Saturday.
Train station under renovation
The accident occurred on Friday afternoon when many people were out and about because of the approaching weekend. Serbian media reported that there were also benches under the canopy on which a number of people were resting at the time of the collapse. The station is currently being renovated. The Chinese company carrying out the renovation announced that the canopy was not affected by the work.
The main train station in Novi Sad was built in 1964 in what was then socialist Yugoslavia, in the modernist style typical of the time. The 300,000-inhabitant city on the Danube is the administrative seat of the province of Vojvodina.
ePaper
**Interview with Milica Jovanovic, a local journalist in Novi Sad**
**Interviewer:** Milica, thank you for joining us today. The recent roof collapse at the Novi Sad railway station has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Can you tell us more about what happened?
**Milica Jovanovic:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the tragedy occurred on Friday afternoon when a section of the station’s roof collapsed suddenly, unfortunately leading to the deaths of several individuals, including a young girl. It’s particularly tragic as families were likely preparing for the weekend, and many were using the station at that time.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly heartbreaking. What do we know about the rescue efforts and the condition of the injured?
**Milica Jovanovic:** Rescue efforts were initiated promptly after the incident. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, eight lives were lost, and dozens were injured, with three individuals currently reported to be in serious condition. Emergency services worked tirelessly to clear debris and secure the area, but it’s been a distressing scene for everyone involved.
**Interviewer:** The President has called for consequences regarding the accident. What are the public sentiments about this?
**Milica Jovanovic:** There is a strong sense of outrage and demand for accountability among the citizens. Many are questioning how such a disaster could occur, especially during renovation work. The President’s call for criminal consequences reflects the national grief and anger over the loss of innocent lives. The declaration of national mourning further underscores the gravity of this tragedy.
**Interviewer:** What details do we have about the renovation work being done at the station?
**Milica Jovanovic:** The renovation has been ongoing, with the Chinese company responsible for the work stating that the canopy, which collapsed, was not part of their project. This raises further questions about the structural integrity of the station and whether proper safety measures were in place during the renovation.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how is the community coping with this loss?
**Milica Jovanovic:** The community is heartbroken, as you can imagine. Vigils are being held in memory of the victims, and people are coming together to support one another. This event has really shaken the city, as the train station is a central part of community life here in Novi Sad.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Milica, for sharing this important information with us. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
**Milica Jovanovic:** Thank you for covering this story. It’s vital we remember those who lost their lives and work toward ensuring such a tragedy doesn’t happen again.
