“At present, 12 bodies have been found. So, 12 people died,” Interior Minister Ivica Dacic told the Serbian Public Broadcaster.
The minister said that three more people were rescued, they suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized.
It is feared that the death toll may rise.
“There will probably be a few more dead,” said I. Dačičius. “I personally saw a body that we couldn’t reach.” There will be more, this number will not be final.”
Vojvodina clinic director Vesna Turkulova told reporters that the condition of three people pulled out from under the rubble is serious, two of them are undergoing surgery.
“The injuries are very serious,” the doctor added.
Earlier, the interior minister said rescuers were working to free many people trapped under the debris of the roof.
Mourning day
Surveillance footage shows people going in and out of the building, some sitting on benches on a sunny day, when the concrete structure collapses on top of them.
According to an AFP photographer at the scene, cranes and excavators helped rescuers dig through the rubble in search of survivors.
“The operation is ongoing and very complicated. More than 80 rescuers are participating, who are assisted by heavy equipment,” said I. Dačičius on Friday afternoon.
The Serbian government has announced that Saturday will be an official day of mourning, the country’s state broadcaster said in a statement.
The Blood Transfusion Institute in Novi Sad also urged residents to donate blood after the disaster.
black friday
The railway station of Serbia’s second-largest city reopened in July after a three-year renovation. Some parts of the station are still under construction.
Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević promised that authorities would investigate the cause of the disaster.
“We will insist on finding the responsible persons, those who were supposed to ensure the safety of the structure. I express my condolences to the families of those killed,” said the Prime Minister.
“This is Black Friday for us, for all of Serbia, for Novi Sad,” he added.
The Serbian state railway company reported that the accident happened at 11:00 am. 50 minutes local (12:50 Lithuanian) time.
Serbian Railways also stated in a statement that the collapsed outdoor roof was not renovated.
“Serbian Railways” regrets the accident, and its causes and all new details of the investigation will be announced immediately,” the company’s statement on social networks reads.
The high-speed railway connection between Novi Sad and the capital Belgrade opened in March 2022.
Source: www.15min.lt
