Citizens gathered this evening at Republic Square in Belgrade to light candles and lay flowers in memory of the 16 victims who lost their lives in the canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station one year ago.
Local civic assemblies from several Belgrade municipalities invited residents who were unable to attend the main commemoration in Novi Sad to join together at 8:00 p.m. and pay their respects to the victims.
The tragic collapse, which occurred on November 1 of last year, claimed the lives of Nemanja Komar, Anđela Ruman, Đorđe Firić, Valentina Firić, Sara Firić, Milica Adamović, Mileva Karanović, Sanja Ćirić Arbutina, Stefan Hrka, Miloš Milosavljević, Đuro Švonja, Vukašin Raković, Vasko Sazdovski, Goranka Raca, Anja Radonjić, and Vukašin Crnčević.
As candles flickered and flowers covered the square, participants stood in silent tribute, expressing solidarity with the families of the victims and demanding justice and accountability for a tragedy that has deeply shaken Serbia.
It has since been proven by independent investigations that the collapse occurred due to gross negligence and corruption within the state apparatus, directly linked to companies and officials close to President Aleksandar Vučić’s regime. Despite public outrage and mounting evidence, Vučić has refused to acknowledge responsibility or express accountability, further intensifying the anger among citizens and students.
“The people will not forget,” one protester said. “Sixteen lives were lost, and those responsible continue to rule without shame.”
