Approximately 200 protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day outside the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, demanding stronger safety measures following a fatal tram accident that killed 23-year-old Erdoan Morankić and injured several others.
The demonstrators also blocked a major traffic route, calling for accountability and urgent reforms to public transport infrastructure and management.
Calls for Transparent Investigation and Infrastructure Reform
During the protest, student Lamija Hažimusić urged authorities to take immediate action, highlighting widespread public concerns over outdated tram systems.
She demanded a transparent public investigation, infrastructure rehabilitation within the city’s public transport operator KJKP GRAS, the appointment of professional leadership, and budget revisions prioritizing safety and social measures.
Prosecutors Expand Investigation
The Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that 30 witnesses have been questioned as part of the investigation. Authorities have also secured 10 surveillance recordings from nearby buildings and footage from the tram’s cabin.
Prosecutors stated that the investigation is proceeding on multiple fronts, with particular focus on the tram’s technical condition. They also seized extensive documentation from the cantonal Ministry of Transport related to track reconstruction and traffic signal planning, which will undergo expert analysis.
Authorities indicated there is reasonable suspicion that the tram driver may have committed a criminal offense of endangering public traffic through negligence resulting in death. However, the court rejected a prosecution request to place the driver in detention. The driver has denied responsibility, claiming the accident resulted from mechanical failure, a position also supported by union representatives.
Political Fallout and Public Pressure
Following the February 12 accident, Nihad Uk resigned as Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, along with Senad Mujakić, director of the public transport company.
Since the tragedy, hundreds of citizens have held daily demonstrations near the crash site and in front of government and judicial institutions, demanding accountability and systemic reforms to ensure public transport safety.
