site.btaSerbia's Former Transport Minister and 12 Others Are Charged over Novi Sad Train Station Canopy Collapse

The prosecutor's office in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad has pressed charges against 13 individuals, including former Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Goran Vesić, in connection with the collapse of the station's canopy that claimed the lives of 15 people early last month, Serbian media reported. The indictment was submitted to the Higher Court in Novi Sad, along with all the documentation gathered during the preliminary investigation and inquiry, as well as other evidence supporting reasonable suspicion for the charges, according to a statement from the Novi Sad prosecutor's office published on its website.

The suspects are charged with committing a serious criminal offense against public safety and the improper execution of construction works. If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison, the Associated Press reports.

On November 1, the recently renovated canopy at the Novi Sad station collapsed, killing 14 people and seriously injuring three others. One of the injured later died.

Students and opposition supporters launched a wave of protests following the tragedy, blaming government corruption and nepotism for the substandard renovation of the railway station. The concrete canopy was part of a railway station building that had been renovated twice in recent years as part of an infrastructure deal with Chinese companies. The authorities have dismissed the accusations.

The prosecutor's statement noted that among those charged are the former minister of infrastructure and construction, his deputy, designers, and individuals responsible for overseeing the station's reconstruction project.

The indictment must be confirmed by the court to take effect, the Associated Press added. The Novi Sad prosecutor's office has also called for the suspects to be detained pending their trial.

Goran Vesić, the Minister of Trade Tomislav Momirović, and the head of Serbia's railway infrastructure company resigned following the incident.

On November 4, Vesić announced his resignation but stated he would not take responsibility for the tragedy in Novi Sad.

On November 21, police arrested 12 individuals in connection with the canopy collapse, including Vesić, who was released from custody by the court on November 27.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that those responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable.