A devastating fire broke out in a crowded nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, on Sunday, killing 59 people and injuring over 150 others. The blaze, reportedly triggered by stage flares during a live band performance, rapidly engulfed the venue, leaving hundreds scrambling for the only exit.
Authorities have since arrested 20 individuals, including government officials, over allegations of corruption linked to the club’s illegal operation.
A Night of Horror
The tragedy struck around 3 a.m. when the nightclub, Pulse, was packed with approximately 500 attendees. Video footage verified by Reuters captured the moment sparks from the flares ignited the ceiling, quickly turning the celebration into chaos. Panic spread as flames engulfed the venue, and desperate clubgoers fought to escape.
Survivor Marija Taseva, 22, recounted the terrifying experience:
“Fire broke out, everyone started screaming and shouting: ‘Get out, get out!'”
In the frantic rush, she was knocked down and trampled, suffering facial injuries. Tragically, her sister, who was with her, did not make it out alive.
Corruption and Negligence Exposed
Investigations revealed that the Pulse nightclub was operating without a valid license. North Macedonia’s Interior Minister, Pance Toskovski, confirmed the arrest of 20 people, including the club manager and several government officials.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the club’s permit had been issued illegally by the economy ministry, vowing that all responsible parties—regardless of their position—would face justice.
“Regardless of who they are, from which institution, from what level, from which party and profession,” Mickoski declared, as he announced a seven-day national mourning period.
Devastating Loss and Nationwide Mourning
Among the victims, over 20 were minors, making the disaster even more heartbreaking. Hospitals in Kocani, Skopje, and nearby cities were overwhelmed with casualties, with 20 victims in critical condition. Some were transferred to Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece for advanced medical care.
Families of the missing searched frantically through hospitals and online platforms, hoping for any news of their loved ones. Outside the main hospital in Kocani, grieving relatives embraced and lit candles in memory of the deceased.
“I’m a dead man, I lost everything,” one man cried, mourning his lost loved ones.
Resident Mihail Gavrilov described the tragedy as a national catastrophe:
“It’s devastating for the entire city and the entire country.”
International Condolences and Investigation Underway
World leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pope Francis, extended their condolences to North Macedonia.
Meanwhile, Public Prosecutor Ljupco Kocevski has assigned five prosecutors to investigate the incident. Officials confirmed that club staff, band members, and the son of the nightclub owner are among those arrested.
North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova visited victims in the hospital, visibly emotional as she spoke about the tragic event:
“I simply cannot comprehend this … what a disaster, what a tragedy.”
As the nation mourns, the focus now turns to accountability. Will those responsible for this preventable tragedy be brought to justice?
