Serbia Roof Collapse Kills At Least 14

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Facts

  • At least 14 people were killed and more than 30 were injured after a concrete roof above the entrance of a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, collapsed on Friday morning.[1][2][3]
  • 'We hope this will be the final number: 14 people have died,' Serbian Pres. Aleksandar Vučić said in a televised address hours later. 'We must all come together to support the families of those who lost their lives and do everything in our power to minimize the damage and help those who have lost their loved ones as much as possible.'[4]
  • 'Those responsible, I assure you will be punished,' Vučić added.[4]
  • According to reports, the train station at Novi Sad — built in 1964 and lying roughly 43 miles (70 km) northwest of the capital Belgrade — was renovated twice in recent years. Facing calls to resign, Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesić said the recent renovations did not include the external awning.[5][3]
  • After its collapse, officials said that 80 rescuers were dispatched to the scene. Bulldozers and diggers assisted in the rescue operation, which was concluded on Saturday.[1][2][6]
  • A candle-lit vigil was held at the station later in the day and the government announced that Saturday was a national day of mourning.[5]

Sources: [1]Al Jazeera, [2]Daily Caller, [3]CNN, [4]The Guardian, [5]EuroNews and [6]The Hindu.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by The Guardian. This is a dark day for Serbia. The nation must come together to support the families of those who lost their lives, as well as those injured. A full investigation is underway, and the government is prepared to hold those responsible for this tragedy to account.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Tvpworld and The Hindu. This was no accident but rather the result of years of negligence and corruption. While Vučić may promise justice for the victims of Friday's tragedy, if history shows anything, the government has nothing to offer but empty promises.