The Political Situation in Serbia

Two Years Since the Fatal Accident in Novi Sad – Serbia Mourns

On Sunday, thousands of Serbians gathered at the railway station in Novi Sad—exactly two years after a major, fatal accident occurred there. Sixteen people died when a newly renovated roof collapsed, an event that triggered anti-government protests across the country.

Hearts, flowers, and candles were placed in front of railway stations; according to AFP, many people were visibly moved.

"I think everyone who comes here today senses a particular atmosphere—a mix of both positive and negative emotions," says 50-year-old Danijela.

The protests, which began in 2024, reached a climax last week when the Serbian right-wing government lost the election to the newly formed "Student List."

Dijana’s Son Stefan Died in the Accident – ​​She Demands Prison for Those Responsible

Dijana Hrka’s 27-year-old son, Stefan, was one of the 16 people who died in the major collapse at the newly renovated railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, two years ago. Dijana herself became a prominent figure in the widespread anti-government protests that erupted following the tragedy.

Now, she hopes that those responsible for the accident will end up in prison.

"If we manage to put them behind bars now, something like this will never happen again," she tells AFP.

The minister in charge, Goran Vesić, resigned shortly after the collapse and is now facing criminal charges related to the accident. He is also a suspect in a separate corruption investigation.

At the same time, European prosecutors are investigating whether EU funds used for the construction project may have been misused.