At least thirteen people have been killed when the roof of a Serbian train station collapsed

At least 13 people have been killed after the roof of a train station collapsed in Serbia in what the country’s prime minister has described as a “black Friday”.

Authorities said another three people were taken to hospital after the incident in Serbia’s second-largest city Novi Sad, but local media reported dozens may have been injured.

Rescuers managed to free two women trapped under the rubble using excavators, Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said.

They were taken to hospital in critical condition.

At least 80 rescue workers were dispatched, some pictured climbing over the collapsed canopy in search of survivors.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said authorities would investigate the cause of the accident.

“We will insist on finding those responsible, those who should have guaranteed the safety of the structure,” he said.

“This is a Black Friday for us, for all of Serbia, for Novi Sad,” he added.

A local health department called on residents to donate blood after the incident.

The station reopened in July after three years of renovation.

In a post on social media, Serbian Railways said the collapsed outer roof was not part of the recent work.

“Serbian Railways regrets the accident that occurred and the causes and any new details from the investigation will be announced immediately,” the company said.

In March 2022, a high-speed rail link was opened between Novi Sad and the capital Belgrade.

AFP/Reuters/AP