A massive turnout is gathering at the blockades of Novi Sad’s bridges from various points across the city, leading to the suspension of traffic over these bridges.

More than 10,000 motorcyclists have made their way to Novi Sad, predominantly coming from Belgrade. The lengthy procession of motorcyclists roared through the city for over 20 minutes, garnering cheers and support from residents.

Long queues of other vehicles trying to enter Novi Sad have formed, particularly from the Belgrade direction.

Farmers with tractors are joining the ongoing blockades as well.

Near all three bridges in Novi Sad over the Danube, citizens are preparing food for the protesters.

The highest concentration of food stands is located near the Freedom Bridge, where a stage is being assembled for a program organized by student protestors.

In Limanski Park, adjacent to the Freedom Bridge, activities such as cinema screenings, a “Relaxation Zone,” an exhibition showcasing works from high school students, as well as firewood and gas heaters are being arranged to combat the cold night ahead.

The Žeželjev and Varadin bridges will be closed today from 3 PM to 6 PM, while the Freedom Bridge will remain blocked for 24 hours, until 3 PM on Sunday.

Significant demonstrations are being held under the slogan “1.2. on 3 bridges.”

This protest has been organized to commemorate three months since the tragic canopy collapse at the entrance of the Novi Sad Railway Station, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left two others severely injured.

The protest date aligns with Novi Sad City Day, February 1st, which, according to students, “serves as a symbolic reminder of responsibility and a call for justice for the victims.”

“By emphasizing the number ‘three,’ citizens are vocalizing their frustration with the three-month duration since the tragedy, for which no one has been held accountable,” the organizers have elaborated.

They stressed that the date of November 1, 2024, symbolizes “institutional negligence and irresponsibility.”

“Three months later, those responsible for this disaster have yet to be identified or penalized, indicating a significant societal issue that has stirred discontent,” the students expressed.

Students have formed various teams to manage the protests on the bridges, including security, media, creative, transportation, heating, hygiene, and logistics teams.

High school students are also participating in an organized manner, alongside an informal coalition of university professors, assistants, and associates from the “Free University.”

The students have released maps outlining the routes for citizens heading to all three bridges, concluding at the Freedom Bridge.

A dedicated fast lane has been established on the Freedom Bridge for the exclusive use of ambulances en route to medical facilities in Sremska Kamenica, as well as fire trucks.

An initial aid team is integrated within the security personnel.

The citizens of Novi Sad and countless others have warmly welcomed the University of Belgrade students, who arrived on foot last night to enthusiastic applause.

The Belgrade students, along with a continuous stream of city residents, proceeded to the Railway Station where they laid 15 flower wreaths—symbolizing “tears”—at the tragedy site and observed a 15-minute silence to honor the 15 victims in Novi Sad.

The student media team has announced they will provide live coverage of the protest, with student reporters at the forefront.

(BETA)