Mother Demands Justice After Train Station Collapse Kills 16

A tragic incident at a train station in Serbia on November 1, 2022, resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including Dijana Hrka‘s 27-year-old son, Stefan. A canopy at the station in Novi Sad collapsed, crushing those underneath. The event has ignited widespread protests across the country, with many citizens demanding accountability from the government.

Protests Erupt Over Government Accountability

Dijana Hrka has emerged as a voice for the victims, participating in protests that have drawn thousands, particularly young people, who accuse President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration of corruption in construction practices. As she prepares to join another protest marking the anniversary of the collapse, she reflects on the devastation she has faced since losing her son. “It will forever be the worst day of my life,” Hrka told the Associated Press.

Hrka described how Stefan had come to the station to pick someone up, choosing to wait outside on a sunny day. Tragically, he and 15 others were killed when the structure collapsed without warning. Only one other survivor emerged from the wreckage, suffering serious injuries.

The protests have not only called for justice for those who died but also condemned the government’s response to dissent. Critics point to a crackdown on demonstrators, including the detention of numerous individuals and job losses linked to their participation in the protests. “They have been arresting innocent children … but no one has been held responsible for the deaths of 16 people under the canopy,” Hrka stated, expressing her desire for accountability.

Judicial Inquiry and Public Sentiment

A judicial inquiry is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the canopy’s collapse, with 13 individuals charged, primarily engineers and some government officials. Despite these charges, many Serbians express skepticism about the potential for genuine accountability, fearing that the trial may not reveal the full extent of corruption that contributed to the tragedy.

As the anniversary protest approaches, the atmosphere remains tense. Previous demonstrations have seen confrontations between police and protesters, with authorities employing tear gas and other measures to disperse crowds. In the lead-up to the anniversary, a shooting incident at a camp supporting Vucic’s government has heightened fears of violence. The president has labeled this shooting as a politically motivated “act of terrorism,” and one individual has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Vucic’s administration has characterized the protesters as “terrorists” acting under foreign influence, a claim made without substantiated evidence. Despite these allegations, most protests have remained peaceful, illustrating a strong public desire for change.

In a show of solidarity, students from various universities have been traveling by foot and bicycle to converge in Novi Sad for the anniversary protest. Hrka has noted the support she has received from the youth, stating, “I feel better every time I see that beauty and youth. I even smile with them.” She credits the younger generation with providing her hope in a time of profound grief, saying, “Once you lose what is dearest to your heart, you lose fear.”

As the protests continue, Hrka remains resolute in her quest for justice, not only for her son but for all those affected by the tragedy. She poignantly stated, “I would like them to come and look me in the eyes. I would ask them: Where is justice?”