Serbia marks two years since deadly railway station canopy collapse

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 09:28 · Archive

Serbia marked two years since 16 people died in a concrete canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station on 1 November 2024.

On 1 November 2024, a concrete canopy above the entrance to Novi Sad railway station collapsed, killing 14 people at the scene. Two others died later from their injuries, bringing the total to 16. The tragedy prompted public outrage over the quality of work on the renovated station, lack of transparency in public spending and allegations of endemic corruption.

The collapse sparked immediate protests. Just four days later, thousands gathered in Novi Sad demanding accountability, with demonstrations escalating into clashes with police. In the weeks that followed, opposition politicians and citizens blocked court and prosecutor offices for three consecutive days, demanding the release of arrested protesters and an accelerated investigation.

Thirteen people, including a former government minister, have been charged in connection with the collapse, but no trial has begun. The student-led movement that emerged from the protests won Serbia's parliamentary election on 25 October with 140 of 250 seats, defeating the bloc led by Aleksandar Vučić. On the second anniversary, thousands marched through Novi Sad in a silent procession to honour the victims, laying wreaths and lighting candles in their memory. Those gathered expressed hope that the new government would finally see the case progress and those responsible held to account.

How it is being reported

• Serbia remembers 16 victims of Novi Sad railway station collapseSerbia marks two years since the Novi Sad station collapse, as students in power vow justice for the 16 victims and accountability for alleged corruption.Euronews · 2 Nov, 09:12
• From railway tragedy to gov’t change: Serbia’s two-year fight for justiceA timeline of events since the deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad, which led to a change of government in Serbia.Al Jazeera · 1 Nov, 10:04
• Serbia’s canopy collapse, two years on in a changed countryTwo years after Novi Sad’s railway station canopy collapse, Serbia marks the second anniversary of the tragedy.Al Jazeera · 1 Nov, 07:53

In this story: Serbia · Novi Sad · Student List · Aleksandar Vučić

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