Thousands protest in Serbian city over fatal roof collapse

(ANSA-AFP) - NOVI SAD, NOV 5 - Several thousand people protested Tuesday evening in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, gathering in front of a train station where a roof collapsed last week, killing 14 people. The deadly accident struck last week just months after the station finished a years-long renovation. It sparked outrage in Serbia where people have taken to the streets and social media demanding the resignation of government officials for what they allege is weak oversight on construction and development projects. Construction Minister Goran Vesic resigned earlier Tuesday, saying he made the move "as a responsible man who wants to show by personal example that in today's Serbia there is moral responsibility due to the terrible tragedy". The minister said on X he was quitting with a "clear conscience". On Tuesday, a minute of silence for the victims, who include two children, was held as the protest started. Three people, aged between 18 and 24, were seriously injured in the accident, and they were still in critical condition on Tuesday. "You are guilty!" one of the organisers told the authorities, speaking from an improvised stage. Many held banners that read: "Crime", with their hands painted red.
    The protesters chanted: "Prison, prison!" and "Arrest the criminals". (ANSA-AFP).