One Year Later: Slovenia Still in Mourning After Railway Station Tragedy

Mon Dec 01 2025 01:05:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A year has passed since the tragic roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station that claimed 16 lives, and the echoes of grief and anger continue to be felt in Serbia. Massive crowds gathered to remember the victims and protest against government negligence.

Thousands gathered in Novi Sad to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the roof collapse at the railway station that killed 16 people. The tragedy has sparked ongoing protests in Serbia, led by university students demanding accountability and a change in governance. While the government denies allegations of corruption, public outcry persists, underpinned by the anger of families and the community.

A sea of people flowed along the roads leading up to Novi Sad railway station as they came in their tens of thousands to remember the 16 individuals who tragically died there a year ago, on another unseasonably warm autumn day.

The victims were standing or sitting underneath a concrete canopy at the recently-renovated facility when it collapsed, with the youngest being just six years old and the oldest 77.

Regular protests have rocked Serbia in the 12 months following the incident, but Saturday morning's event emphasized quiet commemoration. At 11:52 (10:52 GMT), the time of the disaster, attendees observed a moment of silence for 16 minutes, one for each victim, as family members wept and laid flowers at the station.

The rubble from the collapsed canopy has been cleared, yet the building remains largely untouched since the disaster, with twisted metal and broken glass still evident, a grim reminder of the tragedy.

Originally, Novi Sad station symbolized Serbia’s progress under President Aleksandar Vučić's administration, yet following the disaster, it stands as a prime example of systemic failings. The government's flagship infrastructure project resulting in fatalities led many citizens to the streets, protesting with placards that read 'corruption kills.'

University students have emerged as grassroots leaders amidst the protests, gaining public trust unlike traditional political opposition. Initially demanding accountability, they are now calling for fresh elections and proposing a list of independent candidates to establish a technocratic government to eradicate corruption.

In September, former infrastructure minister Goran Vesić was among 13 individuals charged in connection to the collapse. The European Parliament has also called for thorough legal examination and accountability concerning safety standards.

The Serbian government, however, continues to deny corruption allegations as anti-government demonstrations continue to escalate. On the eve of the memorial, President Vučić expressed remorse for his earlier combative remarks towards protesters, prompting students to respond with accusations of blood on his hands. While the day was designed for remembrance, the underlying anger remains palpable in the air.