In a devastating incident on Friday, a roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, has left 13 people dead and two women critically injured. The tragedy struck during the midday hours when a significant section of roofing, approximately 35 meters (115 feet) long, gave way at the entrance of the station, triggering a massive emergency response.
Heavy machinery, including cranes and bulldozers, is assisting the dozens of rescuers and construction workers sifting through the debris, while medical personnel and ambulances remain on standby nearby. The challenging conditions of the rubble, which consists of concrete and twisted metal, are complicating the search for any potential survivors.
Eyewitness Accounts Of The Collapse
Witnesses describe the moments leading up to the collapse with shock. Vera, an 86-year-old resident living merely 200 meters (yards) from the site, recounted her experience: “Our windows were open as it was warm outside and I heard a huge rumble and saw a plume of dust; that’s all I saw. Later, I heard what happened.”
As the rescue operation progressed, two women trapped beneath the rubble were freed. Unfortunately, both are reported to be in critical condition, according to Vesna Turkulov, the head of the Vojvodina medical center where they were transported.
Watch the video here:
Eight people died in the Serbian city of Novi Sad when a railway station canopy collapsed. pic.twitter.com/mv0wYlv3A8
— Nurlan Mededov (@mededov_nurlan) November 1, 2024
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed the rescue efforts, stating, “It is an extremely difficult rescue operation that will last for several more hours. We have around 80 rescuers from several towns working with heavy machinery.” Dacic expressed hope that the death toll would not rise significantly, though the extent of the tragedy is still being assessed.
Luka Causic, who oversees the interior ministry’s center for emergency management, noted that the rescue operation is further hindered by the immense weight of the concrete. Efforts are expected to continue through the night as responders work tirelessly to uncover any remaining victims.
Impact On Transportation And Infrastructure
In light of the disaster, train departures from the station have been suspended. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic described the incident as “a black Friday for all of Serbia and Novi Sad,” underscoring the national impact of the tragedy. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Regardless of the fact that this building was constructed in 1964, we will insist that those responsible for this tragedy are identified.”
Reports indicate that the station underwent reconstruction earlier this summer; however, the section of the roof that collapsed was not included in those renovations. As investigations into the cause of the collapse begin, officials and the public alike are seeking answers regarding the structural integrity of the station and the safety of its infrastructure.
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