In Belgrade, Serbian farmers and university students have initiated a 24-hour blockade of a major traffic intersection, intensifying pressure on the government in response to the deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad last November.
The blockade, which began on Monday, was organized by Serbian university students as part of a broader movement demanding accountability for those responsible for the fatal accident. Farmers, driving tractors, and thousands of citizens joined the protest, which has gained momentum following weeks of demonstrations. Students set up tents and made the critical intersection a focal point of their protest, a key route for commuters and the main highway running from north to south.
Some students played volleyball, while others sat on blankets or casually strolled around. At 11:52 a.m., the exact time of the roof collapse at Novi Sad’s train station on November 1, the protesters held a daily 15-minute moment of silence.
This demonstration marks the largest challenge to the populist government in Serbia in recent years. However, the protests have also led to several incidents, including two occasions when drivers crashed into the crowd, injuring two young women.
Traffic police were present on Monday to ensure the safety of the blockade and prevent similar accidents.
The collapse of the concrete roof at the recently renovated Novi Sad train station on November 1 resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to three others. One of the injured later died. Many believe the collapse was a result of poor reconstruction and corruption.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, and Speaker of Parliament Ana Brnabić are expected to announce “important decisions” regarding the situation later on Monday, although the details of those decisions remain unclear.
