BELGRADE, Serbia — In Serbia, authorities have detained eleven individuals linked to a tragic roof collapse at the train station in Novi Sad that occurred earlier this month, resulting in the death of 15 people and leaving two others critically injured. This information was disclosed by prosecutors on Thursday.

The individuals apprehended, whose identities have not been made public, are facing serious allegations including endangering public safety, committing acts against public order, and engaging in improper construction practices. The Higher Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad conveyed this information in an official statement.

Local news has reported that Goran Vesic, the former construction minister, is among those who have been taken into custody following the incident.

These arrests were prompted by widespread protests that arose in the aftermath of the disaster, with demonstrators demanding accountability and punishment for those responsible. There is a prevailing belief among the public in Serbia that the roof’s collapse was indicative of widespread corruption and a lack of oversight, which likely contributed to substandard construction during the station’s renovation.

On Wednesday, opposition parliament members and protesters clashed with law enforcement outside the judicial building in Novi Sad for the third consecutive day. They called for formal charges against those involved in the incident and for the release of activists who had been arrested in earlier protests.

The Novi Sad railway station, which first opened its doors in 1964, has undergone two renovations recently as part of a broader infrastructure initiative involving Chinese state companies.

The catastrophic failure of the roof took place on November 1, crashing down on individuals below, leading to immediate casualties. Initially, it was reported that 14 people had lost their lives and three were critically hurt; however, one of the injured subsequently passed away on Sunday.