A 19-year-old died on Friday in a hospital in Serbia, becoming the 16th fatality in the collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station last November. The tragedy has triggered months of anti-corruption protests that have rattled Serbia's populist government.
Vukasin Crncevic died more than four months after tons of concrete crashed down on November 1, 2024, without warning on him and others outside the central train station in the northern city of Novi Sad. Many in Serbia believe that the deadly crash was the result of poor renovation work stemming from rampant government corruption, negligence, and a blatant disrespect for safety regulations.
As Crncevic’s death marked a new chapter in this ongoing saga, thousands of people took to the streets of Novi Sad on Friday evening, lighting candles in a vigil for the young victim. The protests, which have grown in size over the months, have initiated a call for accountability and reform within the government.
Over the past months, daily protests that have included 15 minutes of silence for the deceased have swelled, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants. Silent traffic blockades were held not only in Novi Sad but also in Belgrade, the capital, and other cities across the country, underscoring the public’s growing frustration.
Also on Friday, Serbia’s autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic announced plans to organize counter-rallies, further escalating the already charged atmosphere, with the potential for clashes between opposing groups. Vucic has accused the protesters of “terrorizing” the populace and has claimed that they are instigating violence. In stark contrast, the anti-graft protests, primarily led by university students, have remained largely peaceful.
In a video shared on Instagram, Vucic demanded that all “bandits” involved in these protests be arrested and announced he would visit the city of Nis later that day to address the ongoing unrest. During his address, he pledged that “all the thugs will end up behind bars.” This combative stance indicates the tension that fills the air as the protests continue to mount.
The latest rally in Belgrade the weekend prior on March 15 was among the largest demonstrations ever seen in the Balkan nation. Protesters have even accused authorities of using a sonic cannon against them during their moments of silence, a claim Vucic and other officials have categorically denied. The government and its supporters have attempted to paint the demonstrations in a negative light, but the underlying cause of the unrest is clear: a demand for justice and transparency.
The tragic collapse in Novi Sad has not been without repercussions. Initially, the incident claimed the lives of 14 individuals and injured three more. As the turmoil continues, Crncevic’s death was attributed to “complex injuries” and “ensuing complications,” as reported by Belgrade's military hospital.
As the narrative unfolds, the Serbian populace remains steadfast in their call for accountability and a significant reduction in corruption practices. The ongoing tension has divided society, as some citizens demand their government fulfill its obligations to maintain safety and integrity, while others align with Vucic’s position.
Serbia's once unyielding facade of quieting dissent is crumbling as citizens demand to be heard. The series of incidents and the government's handling of the aftermath of the Novi Sad tragedy have served to galvanize the nation. The tragic reality of Vukasin Crncevic's death may well become the tipping point for a nation on the brink.
