A canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and left three others in critical condition, has led to nationwide mourning and protests across Serbia.

As investigations into the incident unfold, demonstrators are demanding accountability from government officials, pointing to systemic corruption and negligence.

The tragedy occurred when the station’s 60-year-old canopy, overlooked in the station’s recent refurbishments, collapsed, killing 14 and leaving three in a critical condition. Those who survived remain hospitalised and in serious condition, with two requiring limb amputations.

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic described November 1 as one of the most challenging days in Novi Sad’s post-war history. The government declared November 2 an official day of mourning, with thousands attending the funerals of victims in northern Serbia.

In response to the disaster, the government has promised a thorough investigation. Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dacic reported that over 26 people had already been questioned as of November 2, with further interviews scheduled. 

President Aleksandar Vucic vowed that those responsible will be prosecuted and severely punished. However, critics of the government are unconvinced, arguing that justice is unlikely given the government’s influence over the judiciary.

Protests erupted on November 3, as demonstrators left red handprints at the entrances of government buildings in Belgrade. Thousands gathered outside the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, calling for the resignation of top officials. "Arrest, arrest!" chanted the crowd, while banners read “corruption kills” and “we are all under the canopy!” 

Ana Brnabic, former prime minister and President of the Serbian Parliament, dismissed the protests as political opportunism. Accusing the opposition of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, she said, “It seems that the problem with them is that the tragedy was not greater.” Such comments have only fuelled public indignation.

As Serbia mourns, calls for accountability and systemic reform are likely to grow louder, as citizens demand justice for the lives lost, as well as a fundamental reassessment of the factors that allowed such negligence to persist for so long.