Why people are protesting over a deadly roof collapse in Serbia

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — The deadly collapse of a concrete roof at a rail station in Serbia has raised tensions across the Balkan county, fueling widespread anger toward the government and protests after the failure claimed 15 lives in the northern city of Novi Sad.

The station, a major hub, was recently renovated as part of a Serbian-Chinese partnership. Critics allege that corruption, poor oversight and inadequate construction work contributed to the Nov. 1 tragedy. Officials have offered conflicting information about whether the roof was part of the renovation, and its maintenance is under scrutiny.

The collapse became a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with Serbia's authoritarian rule, reflecting growing public demands for transparency while the country undertakes large infrastructure projects, mostly with Chinese state companies.

Very little. The rail station was built in 1964 and renovated twice in recent years as part of a wider deal between China, Serbia and Hungary to establish a fast rail connection between Belgrade and Budapest.

Initially, authorities said the outer roof was not renovated during the work on the station, but they gave no explanation for why. Later, experts denied that, and images emerged that suggested at least some roof work was done after all.

One of the protesters' demands has been to make public all documentation in connection with the reconstruction project.

Authorities opened a probe immediately after the collapse, promising it would be thorough and would not spare anyone regardless of position. On Thursday, 11 people were detained.

The suspects, who have not been identified, face charges "of committing criminal acts against public security, causing public danger and irregular conducting of construction work,” the Higher Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad said in a statement.

Serbian media reported that Goran Vesic, who resigned as construction minister after the collapse, was among those detained.

Prosecutors said earlier that several dozen people have been questioned. The only information about the investigation so far has come from Serbian media, which published unconfirmed reports about the companies involved in the reconstruction.

In the first days after the tragedy, Serbians protested mostly in silence, holding vigils for the victims. But as time passed, grief gave way to anger, leading to a wave of demonstrations at various locations and by different groups.

Most recently, protesters blocked a courthouse in Novi Sad, demanding that judicial authorities “do their jobs.” Riot police pushed them away from the entrance, which led to scuffles and a two-day standoff this week.

Chants such as “corruption kills” also marked the protests that demanded the dissolution of the entire government over the tragedy. Protesters left symbolic handprints in red paint on government buildings, accusing authorities of having “blood on their hands.”

Analysts say the government has sought to cushion the damage to its image by prolonging the investigation and apparently hoping that public anger will ease as time goes by.

Serbia’s authoritarian president, Aleksandar Vucic, has repeatedly urged calm and called on people to trust institutions. He has said the investigation is complicated and takes time. But Vucic also said that “responsibility cannot be avoided.”

At the same time, police detained several activists who took part in recent protests and warned that they would not tolerate any disruptions of public order, which is widely seen as an attempt to discourage people from protesting.

By building roads, railways and other infrastructure, Serbia seeks to enhance its transportation links with neighboring states, while China seeks to strengthen its economic footprint in Europe.

Serbia and China negotiate agreements mostly on a governmental level without the participation of outside bidders. Chinese state banks frequently provide loans to fund those projects. The loans may come with strings attached, such as the mandatory involvement of Chinese companies and their workers.

Although such partnerships have brought billions of dollars in investments into the developing Balkan economy, questions surrounding quality, safety and financial sustainability often remain, as highlighted by the roof collapse.

The Chinese companies that took part in the reconstruction said the concrete canopy that collapsed was not part of their work.

Associated Press writer Jovana Gec contributed to this report.

Serbian police officers guard a courthouse during anti-government protest demanding arrests over a deadly roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo)

Skirmishes between Serbian police and opposition protesters demanding arrests over a deadly roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo)

A photo of Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic, left, and the country's prime minister Milos Vucevic is smeared with red paint during a protest in Novi Sad, Serbia, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

A protester points a baton at riot police inside the City Hall building in Novi Sad, Serbia, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

People march during a protest following collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad that killed 14 people, in Belgrade, Serbia, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Protesters shout slogans with red paint on the hands symbolizing blood, demand arrests, two days after a concrete canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, killing 14 people and injuring three, during protest in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

An Orthodox icon and candles for the victims after an outdoor roof collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People light candles for the victims after an outdoor roof collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People light candles for the victims after an outdoor roof collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Workers inspect a train station after an outdoor roof collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Rescue workers search for victims in the aftermath of an outdoor roof collapse at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Green Day kicked off the massive FireAid benefit concert Thursday night, a two-venue concert extravaganza that is raising money for Los Angeles-area wildfire relief efforts.

They launched into “Last Night on Earth," and were soon joined by Billie Eilish for the first surprise of the night. The lyrics are surprisingly astute: “If I lose everything in the fire / I’m sending all my love to you.”

After their set, Green Day frontman Billy Joe Armstrong hugged Billy Crystal, who was there to welcome to the crowd.

“Our goal is simple tonight, to spend more money than the Dodgers’ spent on free agents,” he joked. He told the audience U2 offered the first big donation of the night -- $1 million dollars.

Crystal said he has been affected by the fires, wearing the clothes he wore when he evacuated. He lost home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood that he lived in for 46 years.

After Crystal was Alanis Morissette in a bedazzled “I heart LA” shirt, launching into “Ironic,” harmonica in hand, followed by Anderson .Paak with surprise guest Sheila E. Behind the performers, images of firefighters and the devastation brought forth by the fires appeared on screen.

And between sets, videos of survivors telling the stories of losing their homes were broadcast throughout the arena.

FireAid has taken over two Inglewood, California, venues — the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome, starting at 7 p.m. Pacific at the Forum. The start of the show was delayed an hour Thursday afternoon.

Ahead of the performances at the Forum, D-Nice hit the stage to deejay. “We’re here to do something good for Los Angeles tonight.” That was followed by light cheers.

Spirits were high in the arena. “We’re appreciative of this moment. I hope people remember this concert forever,” said Scott Jones, 54, who brought his daughter to the concert. The Los Angeles-resident wore a black T-shirt with “First Responders” written across his chest. His teenager wore the same shirt.

“I hope some of the firefighters who are able to attend can come and decompress a little,” Jones said. “ They needed it. I’m supportive of what they have done for this city.”

FireAid is being broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music, Apple TV+, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudum, Paramount+, Prime Video, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps and YouTube. It will also be shown at select AMC Theatres locations in the U.S.

Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Tate McRae and Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at the Intuit Dome.

Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Pink, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, the Black Crowes and John Mayer will perform at the Kia Forum.

Mayer and Dave Matthews were originally scheduled to perform live together for the first time, but on Wednesday, the official Dave Matthews Band Instagram account announced that “due to a critical illness in the family,” Matthews will no longer take the stage.

There will also be special guests.

The folk rock band Dawes were directly affected by the Eaton fire. Actor-singer Mandy Moore, who is married to Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, posted on social media to share that a portion of their Altadena house and Goldsmith’s home recording studio were destroyed. Goldsmith's brother and bandmate, Griffin Goldsmith, and his pregnant wife also lost their home in the fire.

Between the performances, there will be celebrity and non-celebrity speakers, including those who lost their homes, first responders and firefighters.

There will also be packages spotlighting those impacted.

Those not in attendance can watch the live feed and contribute donations via FireAidLA.org. The link, which is open now, will also be up on the screen for the duration of the broadcast.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie will match all donations made during the live broadcast, doubling the proceeds. Crystal noted that because of their pledge, U2's million dollar donation was worth twice that amount.

All of the proceeds will go to those affected. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.

AP Entertainment Writers Mark Kennedy and Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report.

Penny Lancaster, left, and Rod Stewart arrive at the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Mike Dirnt, left, and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day perform during the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Billie Eilish, left, performs with Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day during the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs during the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Billie Joe Armstrong, from left, Tre Cool, and Mike Dirnt of Green Day perform during the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Billie Eilish, left, performs with Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day during the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Steve Ballmer, from left, Connie Snyder, Shelli Azoff, and Irving Azoff, pose with Billie Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool, and Mike Dirnt of Green Day upon arrival at the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

T-shirts promoting the FireAid benefit concert are seen on display on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

A general view of atmosphere is pictured outside the Forum prior to the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Mike Dirnt, from left, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Tre Cool of Green Day arrive at the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

A general view of atmosphere is pictured prior to the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Tony Lai, left, looks through the remains of his fire-ravaged beachfront property with his wife Everlyn in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)