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Novi Sad Canopy Collapse: A Chain of Failures
The collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, Serbia, resulted in 14 deaths. A geological engineer involved in the reconstruction project reveals a series of overlooked safety issues and points to a chain of responsibility for the tragedy.
Macedonian
Germany
Human Rights ViolationsInvestigationSafetyAccidentConstructionResponsibility
Železnička Infrastruktura SrbijeChina Railway International Co. LtdChina Communications Construction Company LtdUtiberStarting Doo
Zoran ĐajićGoran VesićTomislav Momirović
- What is Đajić's current perspective and call to action in the wake of the tragedy?
- Đajić emphasizes his own responsibility for not being able to enforce the repairs, but also highlights a larger systemic issue where those responsible for overseeing projects often overlook safety concerns or ignore warnings from supervisors. He calls for greater accountability and transparency.
- Who does Đajić see as being responsible for the collapse, and what is his reasoning?
- The chain of responsibility includes Minister Goran Vesić and his predecessor, Tomislav Momirović, along with their staff. The Chinese construction consortium (CIRC and CCCC), the Hungarian supervisory company Utiber, and subcontractors are also implicated.
- How did Minister Goran Vesić initially respond to the tragedy, and how does Đajić's account differ?
- Minister Goran Vesić initially denied responsibility, claiming the canopy wasn't part of the reconstruction project. However, Đajić contradicts this, stating he was responsible for overseeing the stonework, which included the canopy's base.
- What were the primary causes of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse according to geological engineer Zoran Đajić?
- The collapse of the canopy at Novi Sad railway station was due to a series of flaws, primarily the poor condition of the supporting structure behind the marble panels. Geological engineer Zoran Đajić, a supervisor on the reconstruction project, reported these issues but they were not addressed.
- What specific flaws did Đajić report during the reconstruction process, and what actions were taken (or not taken) in response?
- The initial design flaws were noted by Đajić early in the reconstruction. He reported the inadequate concrete support behind the marble panels and ordered their removal for repair, but his orders were not followed, leading to the eventual collapse.