Four Serbian officials were arrested after a deadly railway station roof collapsed, killing 15 individuals. The incident highlights systemic safety issues within Serbia’s infrastructure sector and sparks national outrage. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Fatal Railway Station Roof Collapse in Serbia
A rescue team inspects the area where a part of a roof of a railway station collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia November 2, 2024. REUTERS/Marko Djurica Purchase Licensing Rights

Investigations Following the Railway Station Roof Collapse

Authorities arrested Goran Vesic, Serbia’s former Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, and three other officials. According to the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad, they face charges of endangering public safety. Xinhua news agency reported these developments, emphasizing the severity of the accusations.

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Seven additional arrests involved engineers and designers responsible for “illegal and unsafe construction practices.” These individuals allegedly contributed directly to the roof’s structural failure. Officials vowed to ensure justice for this catastrophic event.

Political Fallout from the Railway Station Roof Collapse

Serbia’s Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Tomislav Momirovic, resigned under pressure. His previous role as Minister of Construction faced scrutiny for lax safety enforcement during major projects. Critics argue this tragedy underscores the urgent need for policy reforms.

The collapse, which occurred on November 1 at the Novi Sad railway station, left two others critically injured. Investigators revealed that negligence during construction was a significant factor. Public demands for accountability continue to grow, with calls for stricter oversight measures dominating national discourse.

This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for Serbia’s infrastructure sector. Authorities must address systemic issues to prevent similar disasters in the future. Enhanced enforcement of safety protocols is crucial for restoring public trust.

Experts argue that systemic corruption and inefficiencies plague Serbia’s construction industry. Calls for reforms and transparent governance continue to rise. Legal experts anticipate lengthy trials for those arrested, with the case attracting international attention. Public outcry underscores the importance of prioritizing safety over profits in infrastructure projects.

Government officials pledged to improve safety and transparency in future developments. Proactive measures, combined with stricter consequences for negligence, could deter future tragedies. Critics remain skeptical about whether promises will lead to meaningful change, but the impact of this disaster will shape Serbia’s political and social landscape for years to come.

Source: in.investing.com

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