Authorities in Serbia have arrested 11 individuals, including a former minister, as part of an investigation into the collapse of a concrete roof at Novi Sad train station that claimed 15 lives.
The incident, which occurred on November 1, has sparked widespread anger and protests over allegations of corruption and poor oversight in construction projects.
The Novi Sad public prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrests, stating that it had reviewed documents, conducted interviews, and analysed the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Those arrested were identified only by their initials, in line with local legal practices.
Among the arrested is Goran Vesic, a former construction minister who stepped down days after the disaster. However, Vesic denies being detained, saying he voluntarily cooperated with the investigation.
In a Facebook post, Vesic said he made himself “available to the investigative authorities so that all the circumstances that led to the accident in Novi Sad could be fully investigated.” He maintained that he does not bear criminal responsibility for the tragedy.
The collapse occurred just weeks after extensive renovations at the station were completed. A consortium comprising China Railway International, China Communications Construction, France’s Egis, and Hungary’s Utiber carried out the refurbishment.
Questions have been raised about the contracts signed with these companies, with protesters and opposition groups demanding their immediate release.
The tragedy killed 14 people, ranging in age from six to 74, at the scene. A fifteenth victim succumbed to injuries in hospital days later.
Public outrage has led to sustained protests, with demonstrators calling for swift legal action against those responsible.
Many have also demanded the resignations of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and Novi Sad’s mayor, accusing them of failing to prevent such a disaster.
The fallout has already seen other high-profile resignations. Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic, who oversaw construction projects between 2020 and 2022, stepped down following the tragedy.
Similarly, Jelena Tanaskovic, acting general director of Serbia Railway Infrastructure, resigned from her position.
