Tens of thousands gathered in Belgrade to demand accountability for a deadly collapse at Novi Sad railway station, as students led a powerful protest seeking justice for the 15 lives lost.
Tens of thousands of protesters filled Belgrade’s Slavija Square on Sunday, demanding justice for victims of the Novi Sad railway station collapse that killed 15 people on November 1. Organized by university students, the rally marked the latest in weeks of protests calling for government accountability.
The tragedy occurred when a concrete canopy at Novi Sad station, reopened months earlier after a three-year reconstruction, suddenly collapsed. Thirteen people, including former construction minister Goran Vesic, were arrested on suspicion of negligence. Vesic was later released.
Serbia’s interior ministry reported up to 29,000 people attended the demonstration. Protesters observed a 15-minute silence at 4:30 pm for the victims, followed by 30 minutes of noise using whistles and vuvuzelas to express their frustration.
Solidarity across generations
Students have led the protests, with banners reading, “General strike: students and workers united,” and “Every action causes a reaction.” Teodora Topalovi?, a student, told Radio Free Europe, “Every time we come together, it means the world to us. This support keeps us going.”
Nikola Peric, a Belgrade resident, said he joined to oppose the government’s handling of the tragedy. “We’re here to support students, honor the victims, and demand change,” he explained. Pensioner Tatjana Spolja Miletic added, “I can’t stay silent. This has gone too far.”
Ongoing demands and response
Protesters are calling for the release of detained activists and an end to legal actions against demonstrators. They also demand full disclosure of documents related to the station’s reconstruction, alleging key project details remain missing.
President Aleksandar Vucic acknowledged the protests as significant, describing participants as “opposition-oriented” and emphasizing the need for dialogue. However, student representatives claim the published documents fail to identify those responsible for the collapse.
A preliminary review by the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Civil Engineering revealed the government’s documents lack crucial architectural and construction plans, as well as contracts with subcontractors.
The tragedy has sparked daily 15-minute vigils across Serbia, with participants halting traffic to honor the victims. Over 50 university faculties and dozens of high schools remain blockaded by students in protest.
