Fourteen dead in Serbia railway station canopy collapse
At least 14 individuals have lost their lives following the collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in northern Serbia, according to President Aleksandar Vučić. Among the deceased is a young girl, aged six or seven.
The incident occurred around noon local time (11:00 GMT) while people were seated on benches beneath the outdoor overhang at the Novi Sad station, Serbia’s second-largest city, as reported by Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).
Three individuals are currently hospitalized, including two women who were rescued alive from the rubble a few hours after the collapse.
In a national address, President Vučić expressed hope that the death toll would not exceed 14, noting that five of the deceased have yet to be identified. He assured that those responsible would be held accountable, as quoted by AFP.
Approximately 80 rescue workers from across the nation are participating in the ongoing search efforts, utilizing heavy machinery.
The railway station underwent renovations in 2021 and was further updated this year, with plans for an official opening on July 5. Serbian media cited Railway Infrastructure of Serbia, which oversees the concrete canopy, stating it was not reconstructed during the station’s renovations, having originally been built in 1964.
Prime Minister Miloš Vučević said Friday was one of the most difficult days in Novi Sad’s post-war history.
“This is a great, terrible tragedy for Novi Sad and for all of Serbia,” he added, sending condolences to the families of the victims and thanking first responders.
The government declared Saturday as an official day of mourning.
