Serbia indicts 13 for railway station awning collapse
BELGRADE, - Prosecutors in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad filed an indictment on Monday against 13 people in connection with the collapse of a railway station awning last month that killed 15 people and sparked a wave of protests.The concrete awning of the recently renovated roof caved in on Nov. 1, killing 14 and injuring three. One of those hurt later died of their injuries.
Students, opposition supporters and the public have taken to the streets repeatedly after the accident, which they blamed on rampant government corruption and nepotism that resulted in shoddy construction. The government denies the allegations.
In a statement, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad, said it had indicted officials and executives including the former minister of infrastructure, his deputy and the designers and supervisors of the reconstruction project.
‘The indictment was brought ... due to justified suspicion that they have committed a serious offence against general safety, ... caused general danger ... and irregular and improper construction works,’ it said.
In line with Serbian law, the indictment only identified the defendants using their initials.
Transport, Construction and Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic, Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic and the head of state-run Serbian Railways have resigned over the incident.
On Nov. 4, Vesic said he would resign, but that he could not accept responsibility for the accident in Novi Sad.
On Nov. 21, police detained 11 people in connection with the accident, including Vesic, whom the court released from detention on Nov. 27.
Stay updated with The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app, your definitive source for breaking news and comprehensive coverage from India and around the globe. Whether it's political developments, business updates, sports highlights, the latest technology trends, or current events, The Hindu brings live, accurate, and reliable news directly to your device.
Don’t fall for sensationalized or fake news shared online. Read and share accurate updates with friends and family through The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app. Download it today!
News Coverage in The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 App
Breaking News: Receive instant notifications on breaking news stories as they unfold. Stay informed about major events and developments in India and around the world with live blogs, news in shorts videos, and concise articles.
Politics: Get the latest updates on Indian politics, including elections, policy changes, government decisions, and political events that shape the nation.
Business and Economy: Stay ahead in the economic landscape with detailed business news and market analysis. Learn about stock market trends, financial reports, corporate news, and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.
Current Events: Follow stories on social issues, policy changes, global events, and daily current affairs, tailored for UPSC and other competitive exam preparations.
Technology: Keep up with the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends. Read expert reviews and analyses in short, concise updates on cutting-edge technology from India and beyond.
Sports: Never miss a moment of your favorite sports. Get live scores, match reports, and expert analysis on cricket, football, tennis, and more.
International News: Stay informed about global events and geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, and other key international stories.
Local News: Stay connected to your community with the latest updates on city events, issues, and local news. Coverage includes hyperlocal updates from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Trending Topics: Discover what's trending today with the most talked-about stories and hot topics across India and the world.
Experience journalism that values integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Download The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app today and stay connected with the world.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
