Thousands Protest Serbian Government Over Negligence That Killed 16 in Novi Sad Train Station Collapse

On the first anniversary of the Novi Sad railway station roof collapse that killed 16 people, Serbia saw mass commemorations that doubled as anti-government protests.

“Protests following the collapse of a train station roof in Serbia have led to the resignation of the prime minister and the fall of his government, though nationalist President Aleksandar Vucic remains in office”

Al Jazeera

Organizers and crowds marked the day with 16 minutes of silence for the victims.

Al Jazeera

Students led what several outlets describe as one of the largest demonstrations in years.

The protests were centered in Novi Sad but drew people from across the country.

Reports consistently note tens of thousands in attendance and emphasize student leadership.

Remembrance rites included wreath-laying and candle-lighting.

Protesters blame corruption and negligence for the collapse and demand justice, accountability, snap elections, and broader democratic reforms.

Multiple outlets link the scandal to problematic infrastructure projects and, in several accounts, to Chinese construction firms.

AnewZ

An independent commission is reported to have connected the disaster to systemic failures and corruption, intensifying calls for institutional change and early polls to oust President Aleksandar Vučić’s government.

Authorities responded with a mix of concessions and crackdowns.

“The article covers several major news events: 1”

Arab News

Several sources report that the prime minister resigned and the government fell.

President Vučić issued a rare apology, called for dialogue, declared a national day of mourning, and attended church services for the victims.

At the same time, reports indicate harsh police tactics, hundreds of arrests, and attempts to limit protester mobility.

The European Union urged calm and restraint amid rising tensions.

Where the justice process stands is reported inconsistently.

Several outlets note indictments or charges, often citing 13 people, including a former minister.

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

Other sources state that no charges have been filed yet.

Some emphasize that trials have not begun and that no convictions have occurred.

This situation is fueling public anger and skepticism toward institutions.

The movement’s breadth and tactics reflect sustained, youth-led mobilization.

“News NOVI SAD, Serbia (AP) — Tens of thousands of people from all over Serbia gathered on Saturday in the northern town of Novi Sad to commemorate the victims of a railway station disaster a year ago”

bastillepost

Students organized long-distance marches—some walking 16 days and up to 400 kilometers—to arrive in Novi Sad, as authorities allegedly tried to hinder access by canceling trains and, according to some reports, amid bomb-threat disruptions.

bastillepost

Protesters planned multiple rally points to complicate police intervention.

While most demonstrations have been peaceful, heavy crackdowns and hundreds of arrests are reported.

The EU angle features either calls for calm or praise for civic mobilization, and many sources highlight Serbia’s stalled EU accession and Vučić’s ties to Russia and China as part of the political backdrop.