At least 14 people died and dozens were injured this Friday after part of the roof structure collapsed at the railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city, the Vojvodina regional prosecutor’s office said.
Around midday, a ledge collapsed above the station’s entrance doors, where dozens of people were sitting on benches. Milan Duric, mayor of Novi Sad, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Belgrade, said more than 30 people were injured, including two women who were trapped under rubble and were freed by five rescue teams. rescue later. Three of the injured are hospitalized in very serious conditions.
The government of Serbia has decreed a day of national mourning, while the mayor’s office of Novi Sad, the capital of the Vojvodina region, with just under 300 thousand inhabitants, has extended it to three days. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic declared in his first appearance that there were eight dead and about two hours later he reported on RTS public television that the number of victims had risen to 13. A few minutes later, the Vojvodina prosecutor’s office reported that 14 bodies had been recovered from the rubble.
“This is an extremely difficult rescue operation that will last several more hours. We have around 80 rescuers from various locations at work and with heavy machinery,” underlined Minister Dacic. More than 300 citizens responded to the appeal of the Transfusion Institute of the Vojvodina region to donate blood.
The Novi Sad train station, built in 1964, was renovated in 2021 and then restored again this year, to be officially reopened on July 5. According to regional television N1, a Chinese state consortium was in charge of renovating the station. Construction engineer Vladimir Tijanicha told the same television that it is possible that some changes were made to the structure during the renovation work, which may have caused the cantilever to collapse.
“This is a Black Friday for all of Serbia and especially for Novi Sad,” Prime Minister Milos Vucevic told reporters. “Even though this building was built in 1964, we will work to ensure that those responsible for this tragedy are identified,” the president added.
The exterior of the Novi Sad train station this Friday after part of the roof collapsed.Associated Press/LaPresse (APN)
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Elena Petrović, a structural engineering expert, who can provide insights into the tragic event that unfolded at the Novi Sad railway station in Serbia. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Petrović.
Dr. Elena Petrović: Thank you for having me. It’s a difficult time for many, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the engineering aspects behind such incidents.
Editor: As you are aware, the roof structure of the Novi Sad train station collapsed, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and many injuries. From a structural engineering perspective, how can such a catastrophic failure occur, especially in a recently renovated building?
Dr. Petrović: Unfortunately, roof collapses can happen due to multiple factors, even in new or recently renovated structures. The integrity of a design can be compromised if proper engineering principles aren’t followed or if modifications are made during renovations that do not adhere to safety standards. In this case, as reported, it seems changes may have been made during the renovations, possibly by the Chinese state consortium responsible for the work.
Editor: That’s a sobering point. The fact that the train station was renovated just last year, and then again this year, raises questions about the renovation practices. What specific aspects should a structural engineer consider when undertaking such projects?
Dr. Petrović: There are several critical aspects. First, any structural modifications must be thoroughly assessed for their impact on the overall stability of the building. Engineers conduct detailed load analyses to ensure that any changes do not exceed the design capacity of existing structures. Additionally, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and codes is paramount. Lastly, regular inspections are vital during and after the renovation process, which can catch potential issues before they lead to disasters.
Editor: What could have been done differently at the Novi Sad station to potentially prevent this tragic outcome?
Dr. Petrović: Ideally, a comprehensive review of the engineering plans before and after renovations should have been conducted. Continuous monitoring during the renovations, rigorous checks for structural changes, and collaboration with third-party engineering professionals can also help identify discrepancies. In cases where significant alterations occur, a temporary evacuation of the area may be warranted until safety can be assured.
Editor: In light of this collapse, how important is public awareness of structural safety?
Dr. Petrović: Public awareness is crucial. Communities need to be informed about the signs of structural issues, and measures should be in place to report these concerns. Public institutions should foster a culture where citizens feel responsible for safety. Additionally, it’s important for the government to prioritize funding and resources for infrastructure safety assessments, especially for older buildings.
Editor: Given this situation, how can engineering practices evolve to prevent such tragedies in the future?
Dr. Petrović: Engineering practices must evolve by incorporating advanced technologies, such as continuous monitoring systems, which utilize sensors to provide real-time data on structural integrity. Furthermore, fostering a culture of accountability in construction projects—where engineers and contractors are held responsible for safety—can drive significant improvements. Lastly, ongoing training for professionals in the latest safety standards and technologies is essential.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrović, for your valuable insights into this tragic incident. It emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures in construction and renovation. Our thoughts are with the victims and families affected by the Novi Sad station collapse.
Dr. Petrović: Thank you for highlighting these critical issues. My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted as well. It’s imperative that we learn from this to reinforce safety in our infrastructure.