Novi Sad, Serbia – A year ago, on a bright autumn day, a devastating incident occurred at the newly renovated Novi Sad railway station. A concrete canopy, meant to be a symbol of progress, unexpectedly collapsed, tragically claiming the lives of 16 people who were waiting beneath it. The youngest victims were only six years old, while the oldest was 77, leaving a nation in mourning.
In the 12 months since the disaster, Serbia has been shaken by regular protests, many led by students demanding accountability. On the anniversary, the focus shifted to commemoration, with tens of thousands gathering at the station. At precisely 11:52, the time of the tragedy, a 16-minute silence was observed, one minute for each life lost. The air was heavy with grief, visible in the tears of relatives and the need for support for those overwhelmed by sorrow.
The station itself stands as a somber reminder, the rubble cleared but the building bearing scars of the catastrophe, with twisted metal and broken glass still evident. This site, once envisioned as a hub on a high-speed rail line connecting Belgrade and Budapest, has become a stark symbol of what many perceive as systemic failure and corruption in Serbia.
The disaster has fueled existing anti-government sentiment, with protesters carrying signs declaring “corruption kills.” Student activists, in particular, have emerged as a trusted voice, calling for reforms and fresh elections. They aim to propose an independent, technocratic government to combat the cronyism and negligence they believe led to the tragedy.
The government has faced accusations of corruption and negligence, with former Minister Goran Vesić among those charged in connection with the collapse. Even the European Parliament has called for transparent legal proceedings and an examination of how corruption might have compromised safety standards, a call the Serbian government has thus far denied.
Despite a recent apology from President Aleksandar Vučić for his rhetoric towards protesters, the underlying anger remains palpable. The anniversary served as a moment of remembrance, but also a powerful reminder that for many in Serbia, the pain and the demand for justice are far from over.