Serbia opens investigation into railway station collapse
Published: 05:11 PM,Nov 02,2024 | EDITED : 09:11 PM,Nov 02,2024
People light candles to pay their respects to those killed in the roof collapse in Novi Sad, Serbia. — AFP
NOVI SAD: Serbia concluded a rescue operation and opened an investigation into a roof collapse that killed 14 people and injured three others at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad. At least two children were among those killed in the disaster, which occurred on Friday when a length of roofing along the entrance to the station collapsed on a sunny day. Rescuers worked into the night, using heavy construction machinery to recover the bodies of those killed and rescue the injured from beneath the rubble.
The station, located about 70 km northwest of Belgrade, underwent renovations in 2021 and 2022. Other minor works continued until July this year, when the Transport Ministry stated that a total of €16 million had been invested in the renovation.
Transport Minister Goran Vesic said the inquiry, led by prosecutors in Novi Sad, would involve the state Traffic Institute, the state railway company, and the Chinese consortium responsible for the renovation work. — AFP
The station, located about 70 km northwest of Belgrade, underwent renovations in 2021 and 2022. Other minor works continued until July this year, when the Transport Ministry stated that a total of €16 million had been invested in the renovation.
Transport Minister Goran Vesic said the inquiry, led by prosecutors in Novi Sad, would involve the state Traffic Institute, the state railway company, and the Chinese consortium responsible for the renovation work. — AFP