November 1st 2024.
Tragedy struck the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad on Friday when a concrete roof above the entrance of a railway station collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 13 people. The incident has left the entire nation in mourning, with many fearing that more may still be buried under the rubble.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic provided updates on the situation, revealing that three individuals had been rescued and were currently receiving medical treatment for their serious injuries. He also expressed hope that the death toll would not rise any further. However, with five individuals still unaccounted for, the situation remained uncertain.
Dacic shared with reporters that, unfortunately, the five missing individuals did not show any signs of life when rescuers searched the debris. "Death occurred on the spot," he added solemnly. Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, and bulldozers were brought in to aid in the search for any survivors.
As surveillance footage revealed, the incident occurred on a seemingly ordinary, sunny day. People were going about their business, sitting on benches, and entering and exiting the building before the concrete canopy suddenly gave way. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, but investigations are underway to determine what happened and who may be held accountable.
The railway station had recently undergone renovations and was inaugurated by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán two years ago. The aim was for it to become a major stopover for the fast train line connecting Belgrade and Budapest. However, the tragic events that unfolded have cast a dark cloud over the once-celebrated project.
The rescue operation was a difficult and ongoing process, with approximately 80 rescuers and heavy machinery working tirelessly to remove the large pieces of rubble. Despite the challenges, the rescue teams remained determined to continue their efforts for several more hours.
The government of Serbia declared 2 November as a day of mourning for the lives lost in the tragedy. In Novi Sad, residents expressed their grief by lighting candles in front of the railway station. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic summed up the nation's sentiments by stating, "This is a black Friday for us, for all of Serbia."
As the investigation into the incident continues, many questions remain unanswered. The collapsed roof, built in 1964, had not been affected during the station's renovations, raising concerns about the safety of the structure. For now, the focus remains on the rescue operation and honoring the lives that were lost.
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