Residents in northern Serbia took to the streets on Friday to voice their grief and demand accountability for the 14 individuals who lost their lives in a recent railway roof collapse. The somber protest took place in Novi Sad, where demonstrators stood silently, blocking traffic outside the central railway station, holding a large black banner as a symbol of their mourning. The tragic incident occurred on November 1, when the outer roof of the station unexpectedly collapsed, resulting in numerous injuries in addition to the fatalities.

The incident has sparked outrage among the local population, many of whom attribute the collapse to widespread corruption that compromised safety during the renovation of the station. The 60-year-old structure had undergone renovations twice in recent years; these updates featured inaugurations conducted by high-ranking officials from the Serbian government.

In the aftermath, officials have promised a comprehensive investigation into the accident, leading to the resignation of the Serbian government’s construction minister. However, critics remain unconvinced, noting there have been no arrests made thus far and expressing concerns that the populist government might evade responsibility for the tragedy. The government’s strong influence over both the police and the judiciary has further fueled skepticism regarding potential justice.

Protests have gained momentum over the past two weeks, drawing thousands of participants in both Novi Sad and Belgrade. On Friday, opposition lawmakers in Belgrade expressed their solidarity by participating in a silent protest, blocking traffic for 14 minutes outside the parliament building to honor the victims. Concurrently, activists in Novi Sad released black balloons into the sky as a poignant tribute to those who perished in the collapse.

Among the victims of this heartbreaking incident was a young girl of just six years old. Meanwhile, the three individuals who sustained injuries from the roof collapse have undergone amputation surgeries and are reported to be in critical condition. The poignant protests highlight a community united in its demand for justice and accountability in the face of tragedy.