More than three months have passed since the tragic tram accident in Sarajevo that claimed the life of student Erdoan Morankić and left high school student Ela Jovanović seriously injured. Despite public demands for answers and accountability, key institutions in Sarajevo Canton have yet to provide concrete information about the progress of the case.
Since the accident on February 12, citizens have been waiting for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted. However, the Government of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Transport, and the management of GRAS have remained largely silent, while even members of the Cantonal Assembly say they have not been informed about developments.
The Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the investigation is still underway. According to prosecutors, the case is being handled by three prosecutors under the supervision of two deputy chief prosecutors, with investigative activities continuing on a daily basis.
“At this stage, the investigation is focused on carrying out ordered expert examinations. Once all investigative actions are completed, expert findings submitted, and all relevant facts established, a prosecutorial decision will be made and the public informed accordingly,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.
The fatal accident sparked mass protests across Sarajevo, leading to the resignations of the Cantonal Government and the director of GRAS, although the latter’s resignation was ultimately not accepted by the company’s Supervisory Board. At the time, many expected swift action and accountability. More than three months later, however, no arrests or official conclusions have been announced.
Muamer Bandić, a member of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly from SBiH, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the case.
“It is unfortunate that we have received no information from either the Government or the Prosecutor’s Office regarding the stage of the investigation, whether there are suspects, or who may be responsible for this serious incident,” Bandić said.
He also criticized the Government for failing to submit a report on GRAS’s operations over the past five years, describing the situation as “tragic.” According to Bandić, the lack of transparency extends beyond the accident investigation and includes broader questions regarding public transport investments and loans.
Among the demands voiced during the protests was the removal of old trams from Sarajevo’s streets. However, residents have recently noticed the return of older trams to service, this time carrying new advertising campaigns.
Dragan Mioković, a member of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina House of Representatives, said he was unaware of the latest developments regarding the issue.
“I have no problem admitting this is the first time I am hearing this information. I will contact colleagues in the Sarajevo Canton Assembly and Government and seek clarification so that a public statement can be made,” Mioković said.
For now, authorities confirm only that expert analyses related to the accident are ongoing. The results of those examinations have not yet been made public, while questions regarding the direction of the investigation, potential suspects, and witness testimonies remain unanswered.
As public frustration grows, many continue to ask whether the prolonged silence is a result of procedural delays or an attempt to avoid accountability in one of Sarajevo’s most tragic public transport accidents in recent years.
