A somber mood filled Novi Sad as tens of thousands gathered to remember the 16 lives lost a year ago when a concrete canopy at the city’s railway station unexpectedly collapsed on a warm autumn day. The victims, ranging from six to 77 years old, were beneath the structure when it gave way, leaving a scar on the nation.
The disaster has ignited a year of sustained protests across Serbia, but Saturday’s commemoration focused on solemn remembrance. At precisely 11:52 AM, the moment of the collapse, a profound silence fell over the crowd for 16 minutes, one for each life extinguished. The emotional weight of the tragedy was palpable, with family members visibly grieving and some requiring support.
The Novi Sad railway station, once envisioned as a symbol of Serbia’s modernization and a key part of a high-speed rail project linking Belgrade to Budapest, now stands as a stark reminder of alleged systemic failures. The building, recently renovated, bears the visible scars of the catastrophe, with twisted metal and broken glass still evident.
The student-led protests, which have gained significant traction and trust across the country, have been instrumental in voicing public discontent. These demonstrations, distinct from traditional political opposition, have called for accountability and, more recently, for fresh elections. The students aim to present a list of independent experts to form a technocratic government, believing this is the most effective way to combat the cronyism and corruption they hold responsible for the tragedy.
In the wake of the disaster, 13 individuals, including a former minister, face charges related to the collapse. The European Parliament has also called for a thorough investigation into potential corruption and negligence, highlighting the need to examine how safety standards may have been compromised, potentially contributing to the loss of life.
Despite the government’s denials of corruption, the sentiment on the streets remains strong. President Aleksandar Vučić, after initially condemning the protests, offered an apology for his rhetoric, but the students’ message was clear: “You have blood on your hands.” While the day was marked by respect and remembrance, the underlying anger and the call for justice persist.