Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government, and the People of the Kingdom of Eswatini, expressed heartfelt condolences to the people of Serbia following the devastating roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad.
The incident claimed the lives of 15 people, including a young girl aged six or seven, and left three others injured.
“Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes to the Serbian Nation and the families of the deceased during this moment of great loss,” the Prime Minister shared.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this tragedy.”
The collapse occurred around noon local time at the station in Serbia’s second-largest city.
According to Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), the victims were seated on benches under the outdoor overhang when the concrete canopy gave way.
Rescue efforts led to the recovery of two women alive from the rubble hours after the collapse, while others sustained injuries requiring hospitalization.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić described the tragedy as one of the deadliest accidents in recent memory, confirming the fatalities and extending support to grieving families.
In response to the incident, Serbian authorities arrested 12 individuals suspected of crimes against public safety.
The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, face potential sentences of up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Among the detained are individuals allegedly connected to the construction and maintenance of the canopy, with one suspect still at large.
Criticism has mounted regarding the delayed arrests, with former Novi Sad Mayor Borislav Novakovic condemning the prolonged period that allowed suspects to potentially influence witnesses and tamper with evidence.
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“For the past 20 days, all suspects could alter documentation and escape justice,” he said to the media, where he highlighted public frustrations with the pace of the investigation.
The tragedy has also led to high-profile resignations within the Serbian government.
Ministers of transport, construction, infrastructure, and trade, along with the head of state-run Serbian Railways, have stepped down under mounting public pressure.
