Two Years After Novi Sad Canopy Collapse, Citizens Gather to Honor 16 Victims

Two years after the concrete canopy collapsed at Novi Sad railway station, citizens are gathering to honor the 16 people who died. Fourteen people died at the scene on November 1, 2024, at 11:52, while two others later died from their injuries in hospital. One person was seriously injured in the incident.

A commemorative walk began at 9:30, followed by a gathering at 11:52, the exact minute the canopy fell. Attendees will observe sixteen minutes of silence for the victims. Columns of citizens, students, and motorcyclists from several Serbian cities arrived in Novi Sad throughout the morning to support the victims' families.

“Today we remember the greatest tragedy after World War II.”

Young people carried wreaths at the head of the column, while others held a banner reading "Grief remains." Professor Vladimir Mihić told N1 that Novi Sad looks today as every November 1 will surely look in the future.

The tragedy triggered months of student blockades across more than 60 faculties and protests across the country. These demonstrations grew from academic settings into a mass social uprising demanding accountability from those responsible.

Legal proceedings remain stalled two years later. The Novi Sad prosecutor's indictment covers 13 people for serious crimes against public safety, including former minister Goran Vesić. A separate corruption procedure in Belgrade also involves former minister Tomislav Momirović.

Three separate proceedings are currently underway before three different public prosecutor's offices, including the Novi Sad and Belgrade higher public prosecutor's offices and the prosecutor's office for organized crime. No trial has begun in any of the cases. Teodora Martinko was the only survivor, suffering serious injuries.