14 killed in roof collapse at railway station in Serbia

Part of an outdoor concrete roof above the entrance of a railway station collapsed in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad on November 1, leaving at least 14 people dead.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said that rescuers were at the scene trying to free people. Cranes and excavators worked alongside emergency responders digging through the rubble, AFP reports.

Ambulances and some 80 members of rescue teams responded to the emergency and were at the site of the accident, authorities said.

The Serbian government said a day of mourning would be held on November 2, a statement published by the country’s state broadcaster said.

The building has recently been renovated, according to reports.

Serbia Railways said in a statement that the part of the roof that collapsed had not been part of the renovations.

“Serbia Railways regrets the accident that occurred, and the causes and any new details from the investigation will be promptly announced,” the company said.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic vowed that authorities would investigate the cause of the accident.

“We will insist on finding those responsible, those who should have ensured the structure’s safety,” he said, adding that he was “deeply shaken by the tragedy.”

Statements of condolence also came from other ministers in the Serbian government and from Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic.

Milatovic said Montenegro “is with the citizens of Novi Sad and the whole of Serbia, and shares the pain of this tragedy.”

The president of the Montenegrin parliament, Andrija Mandic, also sent condolences to Vucevic and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

“There are no words of comfort that we can offer to the families of the victims in this disaster,” Mandic said.