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14h ago

Tens of Thousands Gather in Novi Sad on Station Collapse Anniversary Pressing for Accountability

Vucic’s apology on the eve of the commemoration drew a swift rebuff from student organizers who say justice for senior officials remains absent.

Gente guardando 16 minutos de silencio en memoria de las víctimas de un derrumbamiento ante una estación de tren, en el primer aniversario de un desastre que dejó 16 muertos, en Novi Sad, Serbia, el sábado 1 de noviembre de 2025. (AP Foto/Darko Vojinovic)
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Una multitud conmemora las víctimas del accidente que desencadenó las protestas en Serbia
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Overview

  • Crowds converged at the station for 16 minutes of silence at 11:52 to honor the 16 victims, with turnout estimates ranging from about 39,000 by the Interior Ministry to over 140,000 reported by N1.
  • Authorities curtailed access by canceling train service to Novi Sad, while the government declared a day of mourning and Vucic attended a religious memorial in Belgrade.
  • Three investigations remain open into the 2024 disaster and suspected corruption, including a European Public Prosecutor review, and prosecutors have sought charges against 13 people, among them two former ministers.
  • Demonstrators allege the renovated roof failed because of entrenched graft tied to state projects involving Chinese contractors, pointing to lax oversight and safety violations.
  • The student-led movement remains horizontal and nationwide after a year of marches and teach-ins, drawing support from professors despite earlier arrests and police use of tear gas and batons.