Her son was killed in the collapse of an attic in Novi Sad, she reported after the fall of Vučić: I waited two years...

The mother of one of the victims killed in the collapse of a canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad spoke publicly for the first time following the electoral defeat of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Dijana Hrka, whose son Stefan died in the tragedy, told the news outlet N1 that she had waited two years for this specific moment. She described the election result as a victory for all citizens and their children, stating that evil has departed and that nothing worse can return. Her remarks came as celebrations erupted in Belgrade streets after Vučić lost the parliamentary elections he was forced to call under immense public pressure. Hrka appeared visibly shaken during her interview, describing herself as trembling like a reed in water and unable to speak properly due to the intensity of her emotions. She identified three individuals as the primary culprits behind the disaster who must face punishment: former president Aleksandar Vučić, Zorana Mihajlović, and Milorad Dodik. She expressed hope that any potential pardons granted by the outgoing president could be overturned so that all responsible parties could be punished. If the law fails to deliver justice, she declared she would take matters into her own hands, adding that she has nothing left to lose. The incident occurred on November 1, 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed at the recently renovated railway station in Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia. The structural failure killed 16 people. The disaster triggered accusations of corruption and sparked a massive wave of anger among parts of the population. Student-led protests demanding transparent investigations drew hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets, marking the largest demonstrations since the era of Slobodan Milošević. As these demands evolved into calls for early parliamentary elections, the student movement faced increasing scrutiny, with critics alleging it was orchestrated from abroad. Loyalists guarded the presidential palace while protesters were subjected to intimidation and violence. Facing mounting pressure, Vučić eventually called for new elections, which he subsequently lost convincingly. Hrka reflected on her personal journey over the past year, noting that she had gone on a hunger strike and believed at the time that elections would not be necessary. She thought the authorities would act humanely and resolve the situation appropriately without needing to resort to a vote. She expressed pride in having endured the ordeal and brought it to a conclusion. Although she acknowledged the difficulty of the process, she stated that the departure of the current leadership represents a turning point. The mother emphasized that this political shift is merely the beginning of what needs to be done. She rejected the idea of accepting clemency for those she holds accountable, insisting that no one should be allowed to escape judgment because of the tragedy. Her comments highlight the deep-seated desire for accountability that fueled the recent political upheaval in Serbia. While the legal proceedings against the accused have not yet been detailed in the immediate aftermath of the election, Hrka’s stance suggests a prolonged fight for judicial recourse lies ahead. The atmosphere in the country remains charged, with citizens continuing to gather in public spaces to mark the change in government. Sources indicate that the structural integrity of the station was compromised despite recent renovations, though specific engineering failures were not detailed in the initial reports. The death of Stefan Hrka became a symbol of broader systemic issues, galvanizing opposition forces. The transition of power is now underway, with the new administration facing the task of addressing the grievances that led to the previous regime's fall. For families affected by the collapse, however, the focus remains on individual criminal liability rather than broad political changes alone. Hrka’s determination underscores the personal stakes involved in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the sixteen lives lost in the Novi Sad disaster.