Thousands of people gathered in the Serbian city of Novi Sad to mark the first anniversary of the deadly railway station collapse that killed 16 people on November 1, 2024. The tragedy occurred when a newly built concrete canopy at the city’s main station suddenly gave way, trapping passengers and workers beneath the debris. On this anniversary, the crowd observed 16 minutes of silence at exactly 11:52 a.m., the precise moment of the collapse, as families of the victims, citizens, and activists laid flowers and lit candles to honour those who lost their lives. The event has grown into a symbol of public outrage against corruption, negligence, and the lack of accountability within Serbia’s infrastructure and governance systems. Protesters, many of them students and young professionals, carried banners demanding justice and transparency. They called for the government to hold those responsible accountable and to take stronger safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Despite 13 people being charged in connection with the collapse, no trials or convictions have been concluded, fueling frustration among the public.
Authorities declared November 1 as a national day of mourning, but tensions remained high. The government reportedly restricted train services into Novi Sad to control the massive turnout, yet thousands still arrived by buses and cars to participate. The commemoration not only served as a remembrance for the victims but also reflected wider discontent with the country’s political leadership. For many Serbians, the anniversary became a rallying point for reform, symbolizing the demand for justice, transparency, and safer infrastructure in the nation’s future.
