Latest news with #NoviSad
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Student, 19, falls to her death after 'suffering a panic attack' and 'unbuckling her seatbelt' while parasailing during holiday to Montenegro
A student has fallen to her death after she unclipped her safety belt while parasailing. Tijana Radonjic, 19, was on holiday in Budva, Montenegro, when she plunged into the Adriatic Sea after flying at a height of 50 metres. Despite emergency services rushing to find her, they confirmed she was dead last Wednesday. Footage of Ms Radnjic, from Novi Sad, Serbia, has been shared online that shows her distressed in her parasailing seat. She tries to pull herself up on the two straps on the side but then unbuckles the seatbelt and jacket. The teen then twists around in her seat before tipping upside down and falls through the leg braces. Horrified spectators on the beach are said to have heard Tijana screaming just moments before the fall: 'Put me down! Put me down!'. Local outlet Republika said others heard her shout 'help me'. The circumstances around her death remain unclear, with some local news outlets reporting that she had been filming a promotional video for a local tourist agency. Ms Radonjic had allegedly agreed to a free parasailing ride in exchange for the video to 'boost business with tourists for the summer holiday season'. The film was supposed to show Ms Radonkic in a bikini soaring happily over the Budva Riviera on a parasail being towed by a speed boat, it was reported in NewsFlash. Witnesses told local media she looked happy and relaxed as she was buckled in and told how to sit in the safety harness. But Republika have reported that she may have suffered a 'panic attack'. Another outlet has said suicide has not been ruled out, but loved ones said they do not believe she would have taken her own life. The teen's parents, Branka and Goran, shared a heartbreaking farewell ahead of her funeral today: 'We will never come to terms with this, nor accept that you are gone. 'You will remain in our hearts forever. Our bravest we love you endlessly and will be missed forever. 'Rest in peace and may the angels watch over you. Now you are one of them.' Police are investigating the death but the owner of the operating tour company said she appeared happy before the activity: 'She was cheerful and in a good mood before the flight. She showed no fear of heights or flying. 'Before we set off, she waved to her friends on the beach and they waved back. Everything seemed fine. 'We don't know why she unbuckled her seat belt and harness and jumped out. 'I guess she didn't do it consciously, but in a moment of uncontrollable fear.' He added: 'I am sorry for the death of the young girl. I hope to meet her parents to express my condolences in person. 'We are all in shock after the accident that happened.' The tour company suspects she got scared because she thought something was wrong with the equipment, adding: 'Maybe she wasn't aware of the height she was flying at.' They added: 'I do not know exactly what happened. She did not show any fear of flying, she underwent training, after which the tragedy followed. 'Technical inspections of all the equipment are underway, and the results of the autopsy are awaited.' Republika reported that she had been on holiday with her aunt when she passed away. She posted in a moving tribute online: 'I can't believe I'm writing this. 'We should now be thinking about what bathing suits to bring, where to drink coffee while the baby sleeps, what song to sing in the car. 'We should have enjoyed the sun and you said to me: "go, rest, I'll take care of the baby now." 'We should have celebrated graduation, not sent you off. 'I can still hear your laugh. I can still see how you hold my son and how you talk to him, how you laugh while he laughs.' Her friends in her hometown paid tribute to the victim, with one lifelong pal saying: 'If I could choose who to spend my childhood with, I would choose you again.' Another friend posted: 'She was full of life, always smiling. She never cared about what others thought of her.'
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Serbia's protesting students rally to mark 7 months since train station tragedy
BELGRADE: Thousands of people on Sunday vowed to keep on fighting for justice and rule of law in Serbia as they demanded that President Aleksandar Vucic call a snap parliamentary election following months of persistent demonstrations that have challenged his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Protesters led by university students blocked bridges in the capital Belgrade and rallied in 30 other Serbian cities and towns as they also marked exactly seven months since a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in the north, killing 16 people and sparking the massive wave of anti-corruption protests. 'The whole of Serbia has risen,' protesting students said in a speech that was read at all the rallies at the same time. 'There will be no more silence, there will be no more surrender!' Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly Nov. 1 canopy collapse in Novi Sad was the result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies. Vucic, whom critics have accused of imposing authoritarian rule in Serbia since coming to power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the possibility of holding early elections but on Friday suggested they could take place, though without saying exactly when. Sunday's protests included commemoration ceremonies for the victims of the Novi Sad crash and student marches and blockades. In Belgrade, crowds halted traffic at two key bridges over the Sava River for three hours, while protesters in Novi Sad carried a white wreath for the canopy collapse victims as they walked toward the crash site. Mina Miletic, from Belgrade, said she is encouraged by so many people fighting together for the same goal: 'The rule of law and life in a decent country.' Vucic has accused the protesters of working for unspecified Western powers to 'destroy Serbia.' Pro-government media on Sunday described the blockades in Belgrade as 'terror' and alleged falsely that 'only a handful' of people joined the rallies. Most media in Serbia are controlled by the ruling populists, often lashing out at government opponents and accusing them of anti-state activities. The student movement is seeking a snap vote, arguing that the current government cannot meet their demands for justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary elections are otherwise due some time in 2027. No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in Novi Sad and doubts prevail that ongoing legal proceedings will uncover the alleged corruption behind the crash. Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but the ruling populists have been accused of clamping down on democratic freedoms, including free media. Vucic's authorities have stepped up pressure on protesters, including police detentions, intimidation and physical attacks.
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Serbia's protesting students rally across the country to mark 7 months since train station tragedy
People march during a protest, seven months after the deadly train station tragedy that sparked mass demonstrations against corruption in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) BELGRADE, Serbia — Thousands of people on Sunday vowed to keep on fighting for justice and rule of law in Serbia as they demanded that President Aleksandar Vucic call a snap parliamentary election following months of persistent demonstrations that have challenged his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Protesters led by university students blocked bridges in the capital Belgrade and rallied in 30 other Serbian cities and towns as they also marked exactly seven months since a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in the north, killing 16 people and sparking the massive wave of anti-corruption protests. 'The whole of Serbia has risen,' protesting students said in a speech that was read at all the rallies at the same time. 'There will be no more silence, there will be no more surrender!' Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly Nov. 1 canopy collapse in Novi Sad was the result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies. Vucic, whom critics have accused of imposing authoritarian rule in Serbia since coming to power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the possibility of holding early elections but on Friday suggested they could take place, though without saying exactly when. Sunday's protests included commemoration ceremonies for the victims of the Novi Sad crash and student marches and blockades. In Belgrade, crowds halted traffic at two key bridges over the Sava River for three hours, while protesters in Novi Sad carried a white wreath for the canopy collapse victims as they walked toward the crash site. Mina Miletic, from Belgrade, said she is encouraged by so many people fighting together for the same goal: 'The rule of law and life in a decent country.' Vucic has accused the protesters of working for unspecified Western powers to 'destroy Serbia.' Pro-government media on Sunday described the blockades in Belgrade as 'terror' and alleged falsely that 'only a handful' of people joined the rallies. Most media in Serbia are controlled by the ruling populists, often lashing out at government opponents and accusing them of anti-state activities. The student movement is seeking a snap vote, arguing that the current government cannot meet their demands for justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary elections are otherwise due some time in 2027. No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in Novi Sad and doubts prevail that ongoing legal proceedings will uncover the alleged corruption behind the crash. Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but the ruling populists have been accused of clamping down on democratic freedoms, including free media. Vucic's authorities have stepped up pressure on protesters, including police detentions, intimidation and physical attacks.
Washington Post
4 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Serbia's protesting students rally across the country to mark 7 months since train station tragedy
BELGRADE, Serbia — Thousands of people on Sunday vowed to keep on fighting for justice and rule of law in Serbia as they demanded that President Aleksandar Vucic call a snap parliamentary election following months of persistent demonstrations that have challenged his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Protesters led by university students blocked bridges in the capital Belgrade and rallied in 30 other Serbian cities and towns as they also marked exactly seven months since a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in the north , killing 16 people and sparking the massive wave of anti-corruption protests. 'The whole of Serbia has risen,' protesting students said in a speech that was read at all the rallies at the same time. 'There will be no more silence, there will be no more surrender!' Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly Nov. 1 canopy collapse in Novi Sad was the result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies. Vucic, whom critics have accused of imposing authoritarian rule in Serbia since coming to power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the possibility of holding early elections but on Friday suggested they could take place, though without saying exactly when. Sunday's protests included commemoration ceremonies for the victims of the Novi Sad crash and student marches and blockades. In Belgrade, crowds halted traffic at two key bridges over the Sava River for three hours, while protesters in Novi Sad carried a white wreath for the canopy collapse victims as they walked toward the crash site. Mina Miletic, from Belgrade, said she is encouraged by so many people fighting together for the same goal: 'The rule of law and life in a decent country.' Vucic has accused the protesters of working for unspecified Western powers to 'destroy Serbia.' Pro-government media on Sunday described the blockades in Belgrade as 'terror' and alleged falsely that 'only a handful' of people joined the rallies. Most media in Serbia are controlled by the ruling populists, often lashing out at government opponents and accusing them of anti-state activities. The student movement is seeking a snap vote, arguing that the current government cannot meet their demands for justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary elections are otherwise due some time in 2027. No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in Novi Sad and doubts prevail that ongoing legal proceedings will uncover the alleged corruption behind the crash. Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but the ruling populists have been accused of clamping down on democratic freedoms , including free media. Vucic's authorities have stepped up pressure on protesters, including police detentions, intimidation and physical attacks.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Serbia's protesting students rally across the country to mark 7 months since train station tragedy
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Thousands of people on Sunday vowed to keep on fighting for justice and rule of law in Serbia as they demanded that President Aleksandar Vucic call a snap parliamentary election following months of persistent demonstrations that have challenged his firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Protesters led by university students blocked bridges in the capital Belgrade and rallied in 30 other Serbian cities and towns as they also marked exactly seven months since a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in the north, killing 16 people and sparking the massive wave of anti-corruption protests. 'The whole of Serbia has risen,' protesting students said in a speech that was read at all the rallies at the same time. 'There will be no more silence, there will be no more surrender!' Many people in Serbia believe that the deadly Nov. 1 canopy collapse in Novi Sad was the result of flawed renovation work on the station building, and they link the disaster to alleged government corruption in major infrastructure projects with Chinese state companies. Vucic, whom critics have accused of imposing authoritarian rule in Serbia since coming to power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the possibility of holding early elections but on Friday suggested they could take place, though without saying exactly when. Sunday's protests included commemoration ceremonies for the victims of the Novi Sad crash and student marches and blockades. In Belgrade, crowds halted traffic at two key bridges over the Sava River for three hours, while protesters in Novi Sad carried a white wreath for the canopy collapse victims as they walked toward the crash site. Mina Miletic, from Belgrade, said she is encouraged by so many people fighting together for the same goal: 'The rule of law and life in a decent country.' Vucic has accused the protesters of working for unspecified Western powers to 'destroy Serbia.' Pro-government media on Sunday described the blockades in Belgrade as 'terror' and alleged falsely that 'only a handful' of people joined the rallies. Most media in Serbia are controlled by the ruling populists, often lashing out at government opponents and accusing them of anti-state activities. The student movement is seeking a snap vote, arguing that the current government cannot meet their demands for justice for the crash victims. Presidential and parliamentary elections are otherwise due some time in 2027. No one has been sentenced in connection with the tragedy in Novi Sad and doubts prevail that ongoing legal proceedings will uncover the alleged corruption behind the crash. Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but the ruling populists have been accused of clamping down on democratic freedoms, including free media. Vucic's authorities have stepped up pressure on protesters, including police detentions, intimidation and physical attacks.
