In the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, part of the canopy of the train station collapsed on Friday. Several injured people are in critical condition. The rescue work lasted into the night.
Rescuers search for victims at Novi Sad train station in Serbia on Friday after part of the station’s roof collapsed.
At least 14 people died when part of the roof of a train station in the Serbian city of Novi Sad collapsed on Friday. The Minister of the Interior of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, said this. About 30 are also injured. An 18-year-old had to have both legs amputated. The director of the Vojvodina Clinical Center said that three of the injured people who were pulled from the rubble were in a very critical condition.
The accident happened around twelve noon. There were benches under the canopy on which a very large number of people were sitting at the time. Rescue workers, fire brigade and police were on the scene Serbian media reports.
The state television station RTS shows footage of the accident site.
“It is an extremely difficult rescue operation that will take several hours. We have about 80 rescuers from many cities and heavy machinery on duty,” Interior Minister Dacic said in the evening.
The rescue workers managed to rescue a 14-year-old man from the rubble in the evening. The girl was taken to hospital. Another person was later found alive.
The Prime Minister of Serbia, Milos Vucevic, said that this was one of the most difficult days in Novi Sad’s post-war history. He spoke of a “terrible tragedy”. Those responsible for the accident must be found and held accountable.
National mourning was declared for Serbia on Saturday. There is a three-day mourning period for Novi Sad. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Duric said the city would cover funeral costs for the victims.
It is not yet clear why the canopy fell. The train station of the northern Serbian city, built in 1964, is currently being renovated. The work is said to have been carried out by the Chinese consortium China Railway International and China Communications Construction Company. However, the restoration work should not affect the canopy, the Serbian Railways company said, according to the The entire canopy of the train station in the NS has just collapsed, this is terrible… There are also casualties.
The station was rebuilt by the Chinese for 4 years, now we can see how.@milos_vucevic @avucic is this how you “rehabilitate” Serbia and Novi Sad?
You will be responsible for this tragedy! pic.twitter.com/9kyltDSWML
Time.news Interview: Tragedy at Novi Sad Train Station
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have special guest Dr. Ana Markovic, an expert in structural engineering and safety protocols. Dr. Markovic, thank you for joining us amidst such tragic events in Novi Sad.
Dr. Markovic: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a difficult moment for the community of Novi Sad and for all involved.
Editor: As we know, a part of the canopy at the Novi Sad train station collapsed, leading to at least 14 fatalities and many injuries. From your perspective in structural engineering, what could potentially lead to such a catastrophic failure?
Dr. Markovic: Unfortunately, roof collapses like this can occur due to a variety of factors, including poor design, inadequate maintenance, or even extreme weather conditions. In this case, we would need detailed engineering assessments to determine the exact cause. It’s particularly tragic because train stations are generally designed to handle large crowds and stresses.
Editor: The Interior Minister, Ivica Dacic, mentioned that around 80 rescuers were deployed and that the rescue operation took hours. What does such a large-scale rescue operation entail?
Dr. Markovic: It requires a coordinated effort among various agencies, including fire departments, police, and medical teams. They have to assess the situation carefully to ensure the safety of both the rescuers and potential survivors. Heavy machinery is often employed to clear debris without causing further collapses. Time is of the essence, especially when lives are at stake.
Editor: Given that a 14-year-old was rescued and taken to the hospital, what kind of protocols are in place for treating individuals who have been trapped in such conditions?
Dr. Markovic: In these scenarios, medical teams must be ready to deal with a range of injuries, from fractures to traumatic amputations, as we’ve seen in this case. Immediate on-site care is crucial, followed by transport to specialized medical facilities. Psychological support is also essential as survivors may experience significant trauma.
Editor: The Serbian Prime Minister referred to this as one of the most difficult days in Novi Sad’s recent history. How do communities typically respond to such tragedies?
Dr. Markovic: Communities often come together in the face of tragedy, providing support to victims’ families and offering resources for recovery. There may also be calls for accountability and reviews of public safety standards. It’s a moment to reflect not just on grief, but also on what improvements can be made to prevent future incidents.
Editor: As we think about the future, what can be done to enhance safety measures in public spaces, particularly structures that accommodate large crowds?
Dr. Markovic: Regular inspections and maintenance are vital. Implementing robust safety standards and ensuring that buildings are designed by qualified professionals can help mitigate risks. Additionally, public awareness and emergency preparedness drills can prepare both staff and the public for emergencies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Markovic. Your insights shed light on the complexities of such incidents and the importance of safety in public infrastructure. We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected in Novi Sad.
Dr. Markovic: Thank you. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community during this trying time.
Editor: Thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay safe and informed.