Thousands of citizens gathered in central Sarajevo to protest public transport safety failures, two days after a tragic tram accident that claimed the life of a 23-year-old man and injured four others. The demonstration quickly escalated into traffic blockades, with protesters demanding accountability from authorities and urgent reforms to prevent similar incidents.
Deadly Accident Sparks Public Outrage
The accident occurred on February 12, when a tram reportedly derailed while turning left, colliding with a passenger vehicle, a metal pole, and a station safety barrier. The crash resulted in one fatality and four injuries, including a minor who sustained serious injuries.
Public frustration intensified amid growing concerns about the safety standards and maintenance of Sarajevo’s public transportation infrastructure, long criticized by residents and experts alike.
Authorities Launch Investigation
The tram driver has been arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offense against public transport safety and has been handed over to the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed the driver will remain in custody for 24 hours pending additional decisions.
Meanwhile, the Government of Sarajevo Canton declared February 14 a Day of Mourning, reflecting the seriousness of the tragedy and public shock following the accident.
Investigators have also seized operational documentation from GRAS, the public transport operator responsible for tram services. Forensic examinations of the tram were conducted with experts in mechanical engineering, traffic safety, and electrical systems. Officials stated that the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, with further details expected after expert analyses are completed.
Growing Pressure for Structural Reform
Citizens previously gathered at the crash site on February 13, including a large number of students and pupils, to honor the victim and voice dissatisfaction with what they describe as systemic negligence in public transportation safety.
The tragedy has reignited broader public debate in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding aging infrastructure, oversight failures, and insufficient investment in urban transit modernization. Critics argue that official responses often come only after fatal incidents, highlighting the need for proactive safety policies rather than reactive measures following public pressure.
