At least nine dead in Serbia disaster as entire building front falls in

Friday, November 1, 2024 - At least nine people have been killed after an entire building front of a station in Serbia collapsed in, according to reports.

Emergency services were seen racing to the Novi Sad station, in northern Serbia, following the collapse. It is understood a part of the railway station collapsed at about 11:50am local time.

Clips shared on social media showed paramedics and fire engines at the site of the collapse. Excavators were also seen digging through the rubble.

A spokesperson for the Novi Sad Emergency Services told AFP: "There are injured people."

The spokesperson did not comment further about an exact figure.

Officials said they were in contact with two people who were trapped under the rubble, one of whom is believed to be a 14-year-old girl.

Local media is reporting the renovation work had been carried out by a Chinese firm.

Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević later addressed the public about the fatal building collapse.

He said: "This is one of the most difficult days in the post-war history of Novi Sad. It is terrible.

"A tragedy. I express my condolences to the families of the victims and to thank everyone who helps and fights to save people and fight a superhuman battle for every life. We will insist that those responsible are found."

Outlet Nova reported Minister of Police Ivica Dacic added: "The rescuers were here immediately after receiving the call. A few hours later, the rescue operation is still ongoing. More than 80 rescuers from several cities are participating with heavy machinery."

One video obtained by local news outlets appears to show the moments before the collapse. People could be seen walking around the station, with one man seen getting up from a bench and moving away before the building front came crashing down.

Another person sitting on a different bench remained in place when the building front collapsed, their condition is unknown. Trains running from the city to the capital Belgrade have been delayed as investigators learn what happened.

Construction engineer Vladimir Tijanic told outlet N1 it was possible the collapse was triggered by ongoing renovation work.