Thousands of people are calling for justice in North Macedonia after a tragic nightclub fire claimed the lives of 59 individuals. The fire broke out at Club Pulse in the town of Kocani, injuring over 150 others. As excavators began digging graves for the victims, protests erupted, demanding accountability from those responsible.
The nightclub fire was sparked by pyrotechnics, and the aftermath has led to the arrest of 20 people, including government officials and the club’s manager. Many protesters expressed their anger at what they perceive as widespread corruption and safety failures that contributed to the disaster.
During a peaceful demonstration in Kocani, a 16-year-old named Jovan, who lost a friend in the fire, voiced his frustration. He called for the imprisonment of everyone who allowed the nightclub to operate under unsafe conditions. "I want everyone who helped this place carry on with its business to be jailed," he said.
As tensions rose, some protests turned violent, with demonstrators in Kocani and the capital, Skopje, clashing with authorities. Protesters carried signs accusing the government of negligence, with messages like "we are not dying from accidents; we are dying from corruption." In Kocani, a van was overturned, and rocks were thrown at a local government building.
Investigations into the tragedy revealed that Club Pulse was operating at more than double its legal capacity of 250 people and lacked necessary licenses. Many victims were trampled as they rushed to a single exit during the chaos. Officials noted numerous safety violations, including the absence of emergency exits, inadequate fire safety equipment, and the use of flammable materials.
The government has ordered inspections of all nightclubs and entertainment venues across the country. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the club’s license was issued illegally and promised that those responsible would face justice.
This tragedy has highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption in North Macedonia, which has been identified as a barrier to the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. As the community mourns, the calls for reform and accountability grow louder.