A tragic fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia has left at least 59 people dead and injured over 150 others. The blaze erupted at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani around 2:35 a.m. on Sunday while a local band, DNK, was performing. Reports indicate that sparks ignited the roof, leading to chaos as hundreds of patrons rushed to the club’s only exit.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as two flares went off during the performance, quickly engulfing the venue in flames. Many of the victims were young, with some as young as 16. The situation became dire as people struggled to escape, with some trapped inside.
Local authorities have arrested around 20 individuals in connection with the incident, including government officials and the club’s manager. The club was operating without a valid license, and the investigation has revealed possible bribery linked to its operations. Among those arrested were the club owner’s son and members of the band.
North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Pance Toskovski, confirmed that three of the deceased were under 18. President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova expressed her shock and sorrow, stating, "No one responsible should escape the law, justice, and punishment." She emphasized the need for accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski declared a national mourning period of seven days and promised that those responsible for the tragedy would be held accountable. He noted that the club’s license had been issued illegally and vowed to investigate all parties involved, regardless of their position.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are conducting inspections of nightclubs and cabarets across the country. Many of the injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals, with some suffering from severe burns.
Survivors have shared their heart-wrenching stories. One young woman, Marija Taseva, lost her sister in the fire and described the panic as people rushed for safety. Families are gathering at hospitals, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones.
The U.S. ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler, along with leaders from various countries, has offered condolences to the victims and their families. The pain felt by the community is immense, and the loss of so many young lives has left a deep mark on the nation.