BELGRADE, Serbia — On Monday, the construction minister of Serbia announced his resignation just days following a tragic incident where a concrete canopy at a railway station collapsed, resulting in 14 fatalities and leaving three others with severe injuries. Minister Goran Vesic made the disclosure during an unscheduled press conference amid increasing public outrage over the catastrophe that occurred in Novi Sad shortly before noon on Friday. His resignation will require approval from the Serbian parliament to take effect.
Vesic stated, “I would like to inform you that I will formally submit my resignation tomorrow morning. Once the parliament accepts it, I will no longer perform this duty.” Video surveillance captured the moment when the extensive canopy from the railway station’s exterior collapsed onto individuals seated below and those moving in and out.
The railway station had undergone renovations twice in recent years. Critics have pointed to widespread corruption, a lack of transparency, and negligence in construction practices as factors leading to the incident. These renovations were part of broader agreements with Chinese construction firms. Opposition factions are now calling for the resignation of high-ranking officials, including President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, holding them responsible for the disaster. They argue that Vesic is merely being used as a scapegoat while the true culprits remain unaccountable.
In response to the ongoing discontent, opposition groups are organizing a rally on Tuesday in Novi Sad, promising further demonstrations if their demands remain unmet. Vesic, meanwhile, has denied any personal responsibility for the incident, asserting, “I cannot accept guilt for the death of 14 people because neither I, nor the people who work with me, bear even a shred of responsibility for the tragedy that happened. I urge the authorities to determine as soon as possible who was responsible for this tragedy.”
In Belgrade, demonstrators expressed their anger by leaving red handprints on government buildings, declaring that officials bear “bloody hands.” Among the deceased was a child, just six years old. The three injured individuals, aged between 18 and 24, are said to have undergone amputations due to their severe injuries and remain in critical condition, according to medical experts.
Officials aligned with the ruling party have accused opposition members of exploiting the tragedy for political maneuvering while vowing to ensure accountability. President Vucic assured the public that those accountable for the incident would face consequences, stating, “I am certain that the state authorities will determine criminal responsibility for the tragedy that happened in our country.”
Serbian prosecutors report that they have already questioned over 40 individuals, including Vesic himself, since the investigation commenced on Saturday. However, many critics express skepticism regarding the likelihood of justice, citing the current populist regime’s stronghold over the judicial system and law enforcement.
Officials maintain that the canopy was not part of the renovation efforts, implying that this could explain its failure, yet they have not clarified why it was not included in the renovation plans. The Novi Sad railway station, initially constructed in 1964, had its upgraded version inaugurated by Vucic along with his political ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, more than two years ago as a critical hub for an anticipated high-speed rail line connecting Belgrade and Budapest.