Novi Sad: Rail disaster anniversary marks Vucic's ouster
Tens of thousands gathered at the station where 16 died in 2024 to honor victims before a new student-led government takes power.
By Hassan Okoye ·
Thousands of Serbians converged on the main station in Novi Sad on Sunday to commemorate a structural failure that sparked a political upheaval.
The crowd gathered at the site where a concrete awning collapsed shortly before noon on November 1, 2024. The incident resulted in the death of 16 individuals. Mourners observed a silence of 16 minutes before placing wreaths, flowers, and candles near the impact zone.
Zorana Sijan Oborina, a student supporter, spoke of her desire for collective healing on a personal and social level. Jelena Trajkovic, a 32-year-old academic from the city, expressed hope that the nation has realized the need to address systemic failures before they claim more lives.
The collapse occurred at a station undergoing renovation as part of a high-speed rail project backed by China. Protesters identified the failure as a symbol of corruption under President Aleksandar Vucic. The resulting nationwide movement forced the resignation of the construction minister and triggered a government reshuffle. These events culminated in snap elections held last week.
The Student List, a coalition of academics, professionals, farmers, actors, and activists, secured 141 seats in the 250-member parliament according to preliminary results. Vucic, who ran for prime minister from his SNS party, acknowledged his defeat and left the presidential office. A new presidential election is scheduled before the year ends.
Legal proceedings against those responsible for the disaster remain in early stages. Prosecutors have indicted 13 individuals, all of whom denied wrongdoing. Pretrial proceedings have stalled, and final election results are due in the coming days.
Source: KOYY
