The tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at a Serbian railway station that killed 14 people — including a 6-year-old girl — has sparked widespread outrage as hundreds mourn the victims.
Friday’s deadly mishap at the Novi Sad station has many in the northern Serbian city pointing a finger at alleged government corruption that they claim is responsible for two recent sloppy renovations that led to the tragedy at the transit hub.
“This is not an accident,” opposition leader Marinika Tepic charged. “This is murder.”
On Saturday, the liberal Green-Left Front rallied outside government offices in Belgrade, hurling red paint at Serbian government headquarters — charging, “Your hands are bloody.”
Officials said the fatal noon collapse, which also seriously injured three others, happened in seconds.
Hundreds gathered at the scene over the weekend mourning the victims, as outrage and disbelief spread across the country, according to reports.
“My first feeling was anger because we allow amateurs to run this country,” protester Natasa Baljic told reporters. “And because I am aware that no one will be held accountable and that responsibility will fall on completely irrelevant people.”
Government officials have promised a thorough investigation, and maintained that the collapsed canopy was not part of the controversial renovations at the station in recent years.
Minister of construction and infrastructure Goran Vesic told reporters after the incident that the canopy would not have given way if it had been included in those plans.
The overhaul of the station, which was built in 1964, was conducted by Chinese companies and completed two years ago — with the work commenced under populist President Aleksandar Vucic.
With Post wires
