National day of mourning declared in Serbia for roof collapse victims

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Emergency personnel work at the site of a collapsed concrete roof at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, November 1, 2024. /CFP

The Serbian government has declared November 2 a national day of mourning for those who died in the collapse of a roof structure at the Novi Sad railway station on Friday.

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad reported that 14 bodies have been recovered from the debris so far.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday evening urged unity and accountability. "We all must find the strength to unite, help the families, and do everything in our power to minimize the damage," Vucic said, also expressing gratitude to the rescuers and workers who have worked tirelessly.

Earlier, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic described the accident as one of the darkest days in the city's history and a tragedy for all of Serbia. He expressed his condolences to the victims' families and thanked everyone involved in the rescue efforts.

Although the structure was 60 years old, authorities will identify those responsible for the incident, Vucevic stated.

The concrete platform roof collapsed in front of the railway station earlier on Friday. Three people were rescued and taken to the hospital; two of them were women who had been trapped in the rubble but managed to maintain vocal contact with rescuers.

Emergency workers arrived at the scene within minutes, with over 80 responders from multiple cities involved in the rescue operation.

Eight deaths were initially reported in the incident; however, as time went by, rescuers found more bodies.

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic announced that an investigation will follow the rescue operation.

(With input from Xinhua)