Nova.rs: Criminal complaint filed against Vesic - Novi Sad train station opened without technical inspection

Vesic, who was arrested on November 21 and later ordered to remain in custody for up to 30 days following questioning on November 23, had resigned under public pressure after the tragedy. While authorities initially denied any work had been done on the station’s roof canopy, the criminal complaint indicates otherwise.

Nova.rs obtained the criminal complaint, which details what Vesic allegedly should have known before the Novi Sad train station was opened.

According to the complaint, between May 25, 2020, and November 1, 2024, suspects in official positions in Novi Sad and Belgrade knowingly disregarded public safety risks. Despite understanding that bypassing regulations and technical safety standards could endanger lives, they proceeded with construction work, showing disregard for the possibility of death or serious injury. The document states they were aware their actions were illegal but continued to violate safety protocols, creating significant public safety risks.

The complaint also names Anita Dimoski, acting assistant minister overseeing the Belgrade-Subotica-State Border (Kelebija) railway modernization project, and Jelena Tanaskovic, former acting director of Serbian Railways Infrastructure.

The roof canopy at the Novi Sad train station collapsed just before noon on November 1, killing fourteen people on the spot. The fifteenth victim died from injuries last week while two others remain severely injured.