Tragedy at Novi Sad Train Station: Timeline of Events Following the Structural Collapse
The November 1st incident led to significant casualties, protests, government resignations, and legal actions in Serbia.
On November 1, 2024, at 11:52 AM, a structure collapsed at the Novi Sad train station, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and serious injuries to three others, who were subsequently transported to the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina.
Emergency services, including a large contingent of police and firefighters, responded promptly to the scene to rescue individuals trapped beneath the debris.
The names of the fatalities were later released, confirming that all 14 victims had been identified.
Initial interrogations began the day after the incident, with 20 individuals questioned by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad.
By November 13, a total of 66 individuals had been interrogated, with additional interviews planned.
On November 5, Goran Vesić, the Minister of Construction, submitted his resignation in the wake of the disaster.
That same day, a significant protest occurred in Novi Sad, with crowds gathering to honor the victims before marching toward the City Hall, where some individuals engaged in disorderly conduct.
On November 15, a memorial was held, during which a moment of silence lasting 14 minutes was observed to honor the lives lost.
This memorial observance continued for several days thereafter.
Anja Radonjić, a 24-year-old from Paraćin, succumbed to her injuries on November 17, becoming the 15th victim of the collapse.
Subsequently, Minister Tomislav Momirović resigned on November 20, followed by Jelena Tanasković, acting Director General of the public company “Infrastructure of Railways of Serbia.” On November 21, the Novi Sad Public Prosecutor's Office announced the detention of 11 individuals, including Vesić and Tanasković, in connection with the incident.
On November 22, a nationwide action titled "Zastani Srbijo" (Pause Serbia) was organized, encouraging participants to observe 15 minutes of silence for the 15 victims.
Vesić's detention was ordered on November 23; however, he was released from custody three days later, on November 27, shortly after starting a hunger strike.
Another suspect was arrested on November 24, bringing the total number of detained individuals to 13.
Incidents of violence occurred during commemorative events, including an altercation outside the Faculty of Dramatic Arts on November 22, prompting students to blockade their institution in solidarity with the victims.
The protests expanded, with students articulating four demands: transparency regarding the reconstruction of the Novi Sad train station, accountability for the attack on FDU students, the release of detainees from recent protests, and a proposed increase of funding for state universities by 20 percent.
A monthly commemoration was held on December 1, where citizens gathered at the train station at the precise time of the collapse.
On December 12, the Serbian government began releasing documentation pertaining to the building's renovation, addressing allegations surrounding the incident.
On December 14, high school students in Novi Sad participated in protests, extending their support to university-level protests.
A significant movement gained traction, with students blocking roads and issuing demands for educational reforms.
Protests continued throughout January, culminating in the resignation of Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević on January 28, followed by the resignation of the mayor of Novi Sad.
President Aleksandar Vučić announced the pardoning of 13 individuals involved in the protests.
The legal proceedings surrounding the incident progressed, with a formal indictment issued by the Novi Sad Public Prosecutor's Office on December 30.
Investigations began in February into possible corrupt practices related to the renovation works at the train station, led by the Office for the Fight Against Organized Crime.
Subsequent protests, such as the “Student Edict” on March 1, highlighted the ongoing social unrest in response to the tragedy.
On March 21, a sixteenth victim was identified when Vukašin C., a 19-year-old injured during the collapse, passed away from his injuries.
Emergency services, including a large contingent of police and firefighters, responded promptly to the scene to rescue individuals trapped beneath the debris.
The names of the fatalities were later released, confirming that all 14 victims had been identified.
Initial interrogations began the day after the incident, with 20 individuals questioned by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad.
By November 13, a total of 66 individuals had been interrogated, with additional interviews planned.
On November 5, Goran Vesić, the Minister of Construction, submitted his resignation in the wake of the disaster.
That same day, a significant protest occurred in Novi Sad, with crowds gathering to honor the victims before marching toward the City Hall, where some individuals engaged in disorderly conduct.
On November 15, a memorial was held, during which a moment of silence lasting 14 minutes was observed to honor the lives lost.
This memorial observance continued for several days thereafter.
Anja Radonjić, a 24-year-old from Paraćin, succumbed to her injuries on November 17, becoming the 15th victim of the collapse.
Subsequently, Minister Tomislav Momirović resigned on November 20, followed by Jelena Tanasković, acting Director General of the public company “Infrastructure of Railways of Serbia.” On November 21, the Novi Sad Public Prosecutor's Office announced the detention of 11 individuals, including Vesić and Tanasković, in connection with the incident.
On November 22, a nationwide action titled "Zastani Srbijo" (Pause Serbia) was organized, encouraging participants to observe 15 minutes of silence for the 15 victims.
Vesić's detention was ordered on November 23; however, he was released from custody three days later, on November 27, shortly after starting a hunger strike.
Another suspect was arrested on November 24, bringing the total number of detained individuals to 13.
Incidents of violence occurred during commemorative events, including an altercation outside the Faculty of Dramatic Arts on November 22, prompting students to blockade their institution in solidarity with the victims.
The protests expanded, with students articulating four demands: transparency regarding the reconstruction of the Novi Sad train station, accountability for the attack on FDU students, the release of detainees from recent protests, and a proposed increase of funding for state universities by 20 percent.
A monthly commemoration was held on December 1, where citizens gathered at the train station at the precise time of the collapse.
On December 12, the Serbian government began releasing documentation pertaining to the building's renovation, addressing allegations surrounding the incident.
On December 14, high school students in Novi Sad participated in protests, extending their support to university-level protests.
A significant movement gained traction, with students blocking roads and issuing demands for educational reforms.
Protests continued throughout January, culminating in the resignation of Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević on January 28, followed by the resignation of the mayor of Novi Sad.
President Aleksandar Vučić announced the pardoning of 13 individuals involved in the protests.
The legal proceedings surrounding the incident progressed, with a formal indictment issued by the Novi Sad Public Prosecutor's Office on December 30.
Investigations began in February into possible corrupt practices related to the renovation works at the train station, led by the Office for the Fight Against Organized Crime.
Subsequent protests, such as the “Student Edict” on March 1, highlighted the ongoing social unrest in response to the tragedy.
On March 21, a sixteenth victim was identified when Vukašin C., a 19-year-old injured during the collapse, passed away from his injuries.
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