Serbia: Fourteen fatalities reported after railway station canopy collapses

A concrete canopy at a railway station in northern Serbia collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals, according to President Aleksandar Vučić. The President also stated that a young girl, aged six or seven, was among those who perished. Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) reported that individuals were seated on benches beneath the outdoor overhang at the Novi Sad station, Serbia’s second-largest city, when the structure gave way around noon local time (11:00 GMT). Three people are currently hospitalized, including two women who were rescued alive from the debris several hours following the incident. During a national address, Mr. Vučić expressed his hope that the death toll would not exceed 14, noting that five of the deceased remained unidentified. AFP quoted him as stating, “Those responsible, I assure you, will be punished.” Approximately 80 rescuers from across the nation are participating in the ongoing search efforts, utilizing heavy machinery. The railway station building underwent renovations in 2021 and was renovated once more this year, with an official opening planned for 5 July. Serbian media cited Railway Infrastructure of Serbia, the entity accountable for the concrete canopy, which stated that the canopy had not been reconstructed alongside the station. It was originally constructed in 1964. Prime Minister Miloš Vučević characterized Friday as one of the most challenging days in Novi Sad’s post-war history. He further remarked, “This is a great, terrible tragedy for Novi Sad and for all of Serbia,” while extending condolences to the victims’ families and expressing gratitude to the first responders. The government officially designated Saturday as a national day of mourning.