In the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, several people were killed when a canopy collapsed at the main train station. The bodies of at least 13 people were recovered from the rubble, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said this afternoon. Many people suffered injuries, state television RTS reported.
AP/Ministry of Interior of Serbia
It is not yet clear if there are other people under the rubble. Three people were taken to hospital in serious condition. There was no information on the number of people who may have sustained minor injuries.
The train station is currently being renovated
The main station is currently being renovated. According to reports, the renovations did not affect the canopy. Recently, repair and modernization work was completed, which, according to the N1 TV channel, two state-owned Chinese companies were commissioned to do.
AP
The accident happened at noon when many people were out before the weekend. The cause of the fall is under investigation. The main train station of Novi Sad was built in 1964 in the then socialist Yugoslavia, in the typical modernist style of the time.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Milos Petrovic, Structural Engineering Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Petrovic. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the tragic incident in Novi Sad where a canopy collapsed at the train station, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Dr. Milos Petrovic (MP): Good afternoon, thank you for having me. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about such an event, especially when innocent lives are affected.
TNE: Absolutely. The Interior Minister of Serbia reported that at least 13 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured. What are some potential structural factors that could lead to such a disaster?
MP: In incidents like this, several factors may come into play. Structural failures can often be attributed to poor design, inadequate materials, or maintenance issues. For example, if the canopy’s load-bearing design wasn’t adequate for the weight it was supposed to support, or if there was a lack of regular inspections, this could lead to catastrophic failure.
TNE: That’s a critical point. Given the public nature of such structures, what regulations should be in place to ensure safety at places like train stations?
MP: In most countries, there are stringent codes and standards that govern public structures. These regulations often include guidelines for materials, regular inspections, and specific design principles to account for potential load and environmental impacts. It’s essential for these regulations to be enforced rigorously to prevent such tragedies.
TNE: We just learned that three individuals have been hospitalized in serious condition. What does this say about the force of the collapse?
MP: The seriousness of the injuries indicates that the collapse was sudden and likely quite forceful. This is often the case in structural failures where there’s an unexpected loss of support, leading to a rapid downward force on anyone beneath it. When such an incident occurs, injuries can range from minor trauma to severe life-threatening conditions.
TNE: Is there a way to predict or prevent such incidents in the future?
MP: While we cannot predict every incident, we can significantly reduce the risk through proactive measures. Regular structural assessments, maintenance protocols, and retrofitting older structures can improve safety. Additionally, advancing technology in structural monitoring could provide real-time data and alert officials to potential failures before they occur.
TNE: It’s sobering to think about how safety measures can be improved. As we await more information about potential victims still unaccounted for under the rubble, what would your advice be to the local authorities on responding to such emergencies?
MP: The immediate focus should be on rescue efforts and ensuring the safety of those involved. Beyond that, authorities should conduct an thorough investigation to understand the reasons behind the collapse. It’s crucial to communicate transparently with the public about what happened and the measures that will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Petrovic, for your insights on this tragic event. We hope that those affected receive the support they need and that the lessons learned from this incident lead to better safety practices in the future.
MP: Thank you for discussing this important issue. My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.