At least 14 people have been confirmed dead after the roof of a railway station collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia, on Friday, marking one of the most tragic infrastructure accidents in recent years. The collapse happened unexpectedly, leaving both locals and emergency responders in shock. As the death toll rises, Serbia is reeling from the aftermath, with questions being raised about infrastructure maintenance and public safety.

The collapse occurred at the railway station’s entrance, with a significant section of the concrete roof giving way. Eyewitness reports indicate that the collapse happened in a matter of seconds, catching travelers and workers completely off guard. The Serbian Interior Ministry has confirmed the death toll at 14, with several more seriously injured. Search and rescue teams have been tirelessly working on-site, sifting through twisted metal and concrete debris for potential survivors.

Safety Concerns and Neglect

Preliminary investigations suggest that the structure, which was originally built in the 1960s, may have been weakened over the years due to a lack of maintenance and deterioration of materials. Serbia’s infrastructure minister, Goran Vesić, indicated that initial assessments pointed to structural fatigue, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, as the primary cause of the collapse. He further stated, “This tragic incident highlights a severe neglect of essential maintenance and infrastructure monitoring in Novi Sad, an oversight that we must address immediately.”

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the state of infrastructure in Serbia. Public opinion is increasingly critical of how authorities manage aging public facilities. Many are pointing to this disaster as an example of the dire need for increased investment in infrastructure safety and modernization. For years, Novi Sad’s railway station had been a symbol of outdated structures that did not align with the safety standards of modern Europe.

Government Response and Investigations

In response to the incident, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has pledged to thoroughly investigate the root causes of the collapse and bring those responsible to justice. He also emphasized the need to revisit and update safety protocols for public facilities. “What happened in Novi Sad is a national tragedy,” Vučić said. “We owe it to the victims and their families to ensure such an incident never happens again.”

Authorities have ordered an inspection of all key public buildings across the country, with a special focus on transportation hubs, to prevent a recurrence. The incident has cast a spotlight on the inadequate funding and oversight that public infrastructure projects have been receiving, despite several high-profile renovation announcements over the last decade.

Expert Opinions: The Underlying Issues

Experts in civil engineering and infrastructure safety have raised concerns about the systemic issues plaguing Serbia’s public construction practices. Dr. Milan Petrović, a civil engineer specializing in structural integrity, stated that outdated construction standards and subpar materials used in the 1960s are common problems across Serbia’s infrastructure landscape. He mentioned, “The government must shift its focus from sporadic, superficial renovations to comprehensive structural evaluations and upgrades. These are investments that save lives.”

Petrović also pointed out that Novi Sad’s railway station had undergone renovations in the past, but these were largely cosmetic, aimed at improving aesthetics rather than tackling underlying structural issues. “This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call. We cannot continue ignoring the health of our aging infrastructure,” he added.

Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability

The public reaction has been one of grief mixed with anger. Citizens are demanding accountability and a detailed explanation of why such an event was allowed to happen. Social media in Serbia has seen an outpouring of support for the victims’ families, but also a surge of frustration at what many see as a failure of governance. Hashtags such as #NoviSadTragedy and #InfrastructureNeglect have been trending as people express both condolences and outrage.

Many commentators have also drawn attention to the repeated delays in infrastructure updates across the country. Earlier this year, the government had promised major renovations for key railway stations, including Novi Sad, but critics argue that these projects have been plagued by corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency.

Moving Forward: A Turning Point for Infrastructure Safety?

As the nation mourns, many are urging this tragedy to serve as a catalyst for change. There is growing pressure on Serbian authorities to commit to stringent safety inspections and adopt international standards for building maintenance. Infrastructure specialists are advocating for an independent oversight body that would ensure public structures meet modern safety criteria, free from the influence of political interests.

The European Union has also expressed its condolences and offered support in investigating the collapse. This international attention could prove crucial, as it may bring additional scrutiny and possibly funding to improve infrastructure safety standards.

For now, the focus remains on aiding those affected by the tragedy. Local hospitals have reported that many of the injured are still in critical condition, and doctors are doing everything in their power to save lives. The community of Novi Sad has come together in support, with local businesses and volunteers providing food and assistance to rescue workers and victims’ families.

The railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad has not only led to a devastating loss of life but also raised serious questions about the state of public infrastructure in Serbia. The incident underscores the importance of preventive maintenance, transparent governance, and accountability in the management of public assets. As the investigation continues, the hope is that this tragedy will drive meaningful change, ensuring that public safety is never compromised again.

  Aleksandar Vučić, Dr. Milan Petrović, Goran Vesić, Novi Sad, Serbia, Serbian Interior Ministry