Serbians mark railway disaster that led to rise of victorious student movement

NOVI SAD, Serbia – Tens of thousands of people gathered at a Serbian railway station on Nov 1 to mark the anniversary of a deadly roof collapse that gave rise to the protest movement that toppled long-time Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic in an election a week ago.

Crowds converged from across the city of Novi Sad on the main train station, where the concrete awning crashed down shortly before noon on Nov 1, 2024, killing 16 people.

Mourners observed 16 minutes of silence before laying wreaths, flowers and candles near the site.

“On a personal, emotional and social level, I hope for a collective healing,” said Zorana Sijan Oborina, a student supporter.

The disaster, which struck at a station renovated under a China-backed high-speed rail project, ignited Serbia’s massive nationwide anti-corruption protest movement, culminating in last week’s election victory by a student-led bloc.

Protesters saw the collapse as symptomatic of corruption under Vucic. The protests forced resignations, including that of the construction minister, a government reshuffle, and eventually snap elections.

Prosecutors indicted 13 people over the collapse, but pre-trial proceedings have stalled. The defendants denied any wrongdoing.

“I hope we have finally realised that we shouldn’t wait... years to change what is bad, especially when it costs human lives,” said Jelena Trajkovic, 32, an academic from Novi Sad.

On Oct 25, the Student List – a group that includes academics, professionals, farmers, actors and activists chosen by student assemblies – secured 141 seats in the 250-member Parliament, according to a preliminary tally. Final results are due in the coming days and are not expected to change the outcome.

Vucic, who stood as the candidate for prime minister for his SNS party at the end of his presidential term, acknowledged defeat and left office. A presidential election is expected before the end of the year. REUTERS