Huge Commemorative Rally Held in Serbia’s Novi Sad, a Year after Deaths

Huge Commemorative Rally Held in Serbia’s Novi Sad, a Year After Tragedy

Tens of thousands gathered in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, to mark the first anniversary of the devastating railway station incident. The disaster, which occurred in November 2024, claimed 16 lives after a concrete canopy outside the busy station collapsed.

16-Minute Silent Vigil Honors the Victims

At precisely 11:52 a.m. on Saturday, a huge crowd observed a 16-minute moment of silence in front of the Novi Sad train station to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. Attendees held red cardboard hearts inscribed with victims' names, released heart-shaped balloons, and laid flowers on the station plaza, which remains closed since the tragedy.

People observe 16 minutes of silence as they pay respect to the victims in front of the Novi Sad train station during the commemoration in Novi Sad, Serbia, November 1, 2025. — Photo: EPA/Andrej Cukic

Outpouring of Grief and Demand for Accountability

The catastrophe triggered nationwide sorrow and sparked a prominent student-led protest movement, calling on the authorities to take responsibility. Protesters accuse officials of negligence and corruption linked to the incident.

Commemoration Followed by Mass Protest

The memorial event was accompanied by a large-scale protest. Residents of Novi Sad were joined by people from across Serbia who traveled early in the day by car and bus to participate.

Summary

This vigil and protest underlined public grief and widespread calls for justice following the fatal collapse at Novi Sad’s railway station one year ago.

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Balkan Insight Balkan Insight — 2025-11-02

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