At least 12 individuals have lost their lives following the collapse of a section of an outdoor roof at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, as reported by the interior minister.
“The current count of recovered bodies stands at 12,” Ivica Dačić informed the public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia, updating an earlier figure of eight fatalities.
Vesna Turkulov, the director of the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, stated that three individuals rescued from the debris are in critical condition, with two of them undergoing surgery.
“The injuries are extremely severe,” the doctor remarked.
Previously, the interior minister mentioned that rescuers were attempting to free several people trapped under the collapsed roof.
Cranes and excavators were deployed alongside emergency responders who were digging through the debris in their search for survivors, according to an AFP photographer present at the scene.
“The operation is ongoing and incredibly difficult,” Mr. Dačić noted.
“More than 80 rescuers are engaged, utilizing heavy machinery for assistance,” he added.
The Serbian government announced that an official day of mourning would be observed tomorrow, as per a statement released by the state broadcaster.
The Blood Transfusion Institute in Novi Sad also urged residents to donate blood in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Construction was still in progress in various sections of the station at the time of the incident.
Serving as Novi Sad’s train station, it had reopened in July after undergoing three years of renovations.
Ongoing construction was reported in different areas of the station.
Serbia’s Prime Minister, Miloš Vučević, pledged that authorities would investigate the cause of the collapse.
“We will demand accountability from those responsible for ensuring the structure’s safety,” the prime minister stated.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims,” he expressed.
Mr. Vučević described the day as “a black Friday for us, for all of Serbia, for Novi Sad.”
In a statement, Serbia Railways clarified that the collapsed outdoor roof was not part of the recently completed renovations at the station.
“Serbia Railways expresses regret over the accident and will promptly announce the findings and any new developments from the investigation,” the company stated in a social media post.
A high-speed rail link between Novi Sad and the capital, Belgrade, was inaugurated in March 2022.
