Train station roof partially collapses, 13 dead – DW – November 1, 2024

At least 13 people died on Friday when a concrete roof collapsed over the entrance to a train station in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said: “When we had eight victims, we knew that there were five more people under the rubble who we could not determine whether they were alive or dead.”

Dacic said those rescued were killed “on the spot.”

Dacic had previously said: “More than 80 rescuers are in action with the help of heavy machinery.”

Rescue workers on site continue to work with excavation teams who are using heavy machinery to cut open and dig through the collapsed structure to locate and rescue additional survivors.

The Blood Transfusion Institute in Novi Sad has called on residents to donate blood.

Train station recently renovated

It was not immediately clear what caused the partial collapse, but Novi Sad train station had only reopened in July after three years of renovations.

Construction work was still underway in parts of the building.

Surveillance footage showed people entering and exiting the building and sitting on benches on a sunny day before the concrete structure suddenly collapsed.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic called it “a Black Friday for us, for all of Serbia.”

“We will insist on finding those responsible who should have ensured the safety of the structure. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased,” he said.

The Serbian government has declared Saturday a national day of mourning.

js,lo/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters)